Dating as a single mom or dad can feel like a juggling act. Between the school pick ups, work responsibilities, and intimate family time, finding room between it all to date might seem nearly impossible.
We don’t blame you for feeling this way. However, we want to inspire a bit of hope for those single parents re-entering the dating scene.
Yes, it may feel daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding—especially when you approach it with intention and consider getting a bit of support along the way. With the right guidance, like tips for putting your best foot forward on dating apps, you not only save time but also create space for a more meaningful and authentic dating experience.
Follow along to learn more!
Celebrating Your Individual Circumstances
Before stepping back into the dating scene, it is important to begin to own your identity as a single parent in this new phase of your life.
At its core, most single parents out there have developed a ton of important qualities, including empathy, flexibility, and dedication–many of which can possibly shape all areas of our lives, including dating!
Whether you’re finally ready to get back on the scene following a divorce, or you’ve been navigating single parenthood for a while and feel ready to explore new connections, embracing your role as a parent is vital.
Creating a Confident Dating Profile
Now, for the fun bit!
Taking time to sit down and craft a dating profile is a chance to highlight your unique personality and showcase what makes you you.
Think about what you want your potential matches to know about you from the start. Sharing a blend of your personal interests, unique quirks, sense of humor, and passions—while keeping it genuine—can give suitors a true sense of who you are and what makes you tick.
Don’t be shy about mentioning that you’re a parent, either!
Considering the role your kid(s) play in your life, embracing parenthood as part of who you are is key to creating a profile that’s true to you.
For example, instead of simply saying, “I am a single mom of two,” you might try something unique, like, “CEO of a small but energetic household.” Add a touch of humor with something like, “My kids keep me busy, so if you’re looking for spontaneous trips to Paris, try me in about 10 years.”
A confident profile not only helps attract more matches, but it helps intrigue the right people who are genuinely interested in getting to know all of you, kids and all!
Managing Time and Priorities while Dating as a Single Parent
Dating as a single parent is a unique adventure, and while it can seem like a juggling act, a little planning goes a long way.
Finding time for romance while also prioritizing your kids, work, and any personal hobbies requires some creativity. For instance, you might plan a lunch date while the kids are at school or arrange an evening out when they’re at a friend’s or with family. Taking advantage of these pockets of free time can make it easier to fit dating into your busy schedule without disrupting your usual routine.
No matter how you tackle your schedule, making room for dating requires setting clear expectations with potential matches about your availability. Sure, some potential suitors may lose interest in this, but the ones that are worth pursuing will understand and respect that your family commitments come first.
When and How to Bring Up Your Kids in Dating
Bringing up your kids in the dating scene is a very individual consideration to make. While some people like to get it out of the way, adding them onto the dating profile like we mentioned before (i.e. through photos, your bio, or in your prompts), it certainly is not a one-size-fits-all choice.
According to a recent study of 747 single parents across the U.S. found that both single mothers and fathers considered their children’s opinions when it came to dating. Many parents choose to involve their children in the decision-making process only when they feel ready to establish a committed partnership.
While there is no immediate need to share extensive details right away, still acknowledging you are a parent is helpful for transparency purposes. In the beginning, it may be more worthwhile to focus on what being a parent means to you and what qualities you hope to find in a partner who values family. As things progress, you can naturally add more as trust develops, gauging the other person’s comfort and interest along the way.
Finding the Right Match
As a parent, you know all too well that finding a partner who understands your lifestyle and is respectful of your priorities can make all the difference.
Finding the right match is not only about looking for people who accept that your children are a top priority in your worlds, but those who genuinely appreciate the love and responsibility you bring to parenting. A good match will show empathy for the time and commitment that is involved in raising children, while also appreciating that spontaneity may not always be possible.
Some common challenges single parents face while dating, along with tips to overcome them, include:
- Finding time to date: Plan dates around your parenting schedule by opting for short, casual coffee meet-ups or walks instead of lengthy dinners
- Letting go of guilt: Remember, happy parents make happy kids
- Introducing a new partner: Only introduce someone when you’re sure of the relationship, and during a time that feels right to you
- Finding the right partner: Look for someone who resorts your role as a parent and values family
- Balancing blended family dynamics: Open and honest communication is central to creating harmony in a blended family or co-parenting setup
- Navigating conversations about kids: Consider introducing the topic of your children naturally during conversations, sharing fun, light-hearted stories about your parenting journey thus far
- Finding support for dating profile creating: Consider enlisting a professional to help you craft a dating profile that reflects your true self and resonates with potential matches
These strategies can help you navigate the dating scene with confidence, ensuring that both your romantic pursuits and parenting responsibilities can coexist harmoniously.
The Bottom Line
Dating as a single parent can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a journey filled with potential and growth. Embracing your identity, setting clear expectations, and seeking the right support can pave the way for fulfilling connections.
Remember, balancing love and family is a challenge, but with intention and a positive mindset, you can create meaningful relationships that enrich both your life and the lives of your children.
My Books:
How To Write A Great Online Dating Profile.
Within, you will find my best tips and strategies, including dos and don’ts, before and after examples, and a template to follow. There is also advice on which photos to choose and how to craft email messages. You will also find full written samples and a questionnaire to use for idea generation.
I designed this dating journal to help you process thoughts and feelings as they relate to who you are deciding to spend time with. This journal is a mix of guided prompts and plenty of free flow. You may want to view it as a mix of a plain journal and an interactive workbook. The prompts are recurrent based on Date 1, Date 2, Date 3 and more.
If you are someone thinking about trying online dating or giving it another go with a different approach, check out the Packages and Pricing Page and start dating with a great online dating profile.
