If you’re a single parent looking to date again, there are a few things to keep in mind. You don’t want to put too much pressure on yourself.
If you want to find a match who isn’t just interested in casual dates, it’s best to start slow and only go on a few dates at a time.
1. Look for common interests.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term partner or just a fun night out with someone new, dating is a great way to meet people and make some friends. Plus, online dating has made it easier than ever to find potential matches.
One of the most important things to look for when dating as a single parent is common interests. You don’t want to be a complete clone, but one or two things in common can be a great place to start.
For example, if you both love music you could go to some gigs together and get to know each other. Alternatively, if you’re both interested in art then there may be exhibitions or courses you can take part in.
Another thing to consider is what your career goals are. It is a good idea to have an honest conversation about your ambitions and where you would like to be in five, ten or twenty years time. This can help you both see if you both share similar goals and if you will have the same work commitments in the future.
It’s also a good idea to ask your date about their interests and what they like to do for fun. This can be a great way to break the ice and get to know each other better, so you can both decide if they’re right for you.
Single parents can often feel overlooked on dating apps, but it is possible to find a good match. Some apps, such as Telegraph Dating, specialise in matching single parents with other singles. The app utilises a two-way match system, which creates a curated list of potential dates based on your criteria.
2. Don’t be afraid to talk about your kids.
When you’re chatting to someone online, don’t be afraid to bring up your kids. It doesn’t have to be all about your kids, but it can be an easy way to show that you have something important in common.
It’s also an opportunity to reassure your kids that you love them and want to include them in your new relationship. Children often have concerns about their parents dating, but it’s important to not let those fears get in the way of your relationships.
The right new partner will understand that the needs of your kids are top priority, says Coleman. They will also respect your decision to put them first and not try to take over.
As a single parent, dating can be an extremely emotional experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talk to someone who can offer support.
Another great idea is to ask your kids what they think about you dating again. This will allow you to assess whether they’re ready for a change and address any concerns that might be lingering.
Ultimately, a single parent’s relationship with their kids is their number one concern and it should be the first thing they think about.
In fact, many single parents make it their primary goal to include their children in all of the decisions they make, including their dating choices. Keeping that in mind will help you to navigate your relationship with them as you work toward finding your ideal partner.
Ultimately, navigating online casual dating as a single parent is a lot like navigating any other relationship. It might not be perfect, but it will give you the chance to meet quality people who can become part of your family.
3. Be open to sex.
As a single parent, you might be hesitant to date online. However, dating can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and family responsibilities.
It can also be a lot of fun to try out new things, like a new bar or wine tasting spot. Whether it’s with a friend or someone new, having fun is one of the main reasons why people go on dates, says sex and dating educator Domina Franco.
Even if you’re looking for a relationship that’s less serious, being open to sex can help you meet the right person. It can be a bit nerve-wracking to share your sexuality with a stranger you’ve just met, but it’s important to discuss how you feel about sex with anyone before getting into bed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that people have different perceptions of what casual dating means, so it’s important to be open and honest about how you define it. And it’s also important to talk about what you want and don’t want from your casual dating experience.
You should also make sure to respect each other’s boundaries with sex and physical intimacy, as well as your own. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing sex with the person you’re dating, it’s okay to stop seeing them.
If you have kids, you should let your potential date know upfront that you’re a single parent. This helps them understand your life situation and how they can best support you in your parenting journey.
If you’re dating more than one person at a time, you should be very careful about sharing details about your other relationships on social media. This can be a big safety concern for single parents, as it could give other men or women the opportunity to stalk you or your children.
4. Don’t be afraid to date more than one person at a time.
When it comes to dating as a single parent, you may be feeling nervous about revealing that you have children. But it’s okay! As long as you’re honest about your family life, it doesn’t hurt to let others know about it in the early stages of online casual dating.
According to Lala Lillibridge, author of “Mama, Mama, Only Mama: An Irreverent Guide for the Newly Single Parent,” it’s important to make your dating matches aware that you have kids. It also helps to be upfront about your goals for the relationship, such as whether you’re looking for a relationship or just casual dating.
If you’re open about your kids in the beginning, it will also help potential dates understand that you’re not afraid to date multiple people at once. They might ask questions like, “What do you think of dating more than one person at a time?” or “Can I keep my kids out of your house if we date?”
But be sure to remember that this is still a personal decision. And, even if you do decide to date more than one person at a time, it’s okay to break up with someone else if you find that you’re not a good fit for them.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of meeting a potential partner and then realize that you haven’t been transparent about your goals and intentions from the get-go. Taking a step back and explaining your approach from the get-go isn’t only a good idea, it’s also a great way to maintain a positive vibe for the rest of the relationship. You’ll both be better able to focus on having fun together and avoid falling into the trap of competing for your affections, which can lead to serious problems down the road.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Navigating Online Casual Dating as a Single Parent can be challenging and sometimes stressful. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed when you’re in the process of dating, but don’t let this stop you from enjoying your dating experience!
It’s common for friends and family to provide unsolicited advice on dating as a single parent, and this can be frustrating. If they’re passing judgement on your dating life or suggesting that you will struggle to find lasting love as a single parent, don’t listen to them.
In many cases, these opinions are meant to be helpful, but they can also create unnecessary stress and a negative atmosphere. Rather than listening to these comments, consider asking for help from an expert, such as a therapist, or a single parent coach.
Before you begin to date online, decide on your boundaries and how much information you want to share with a potential partner. This will help you avoid any unwanted surprises down the road and protect your children from potentially harmful relationships, advises couples’ therapist Kyle Zrenchik, Ph.D., LMFT, ACS.
Then, once you start talking with a prospective date, be honest about your kids from the beginning. You don’t want to be misleading someone by hiding your kids from them, said sex and dating educator Lalalaletmeexplain who has an Instagram account where she shares vital safety tips for single parents.
It’s important to remember that your kids will benefit from seeing you and your date enjoy a relationship that is not between their parents. This can teach them about love, intimacy, and what healthy relationships look like. It can also show them how to interact with people who are different than them.
