Happy Mother’s Day to all you single Mums. And especially those who are looking for someone special! If you’re planning to start dating again, here are five top tips to help you get started, get more dates and get on your journey towards finding love.
Tip 1: Find the right people, and forget the rest
Everyone has something about them that turns some people off – and others on! And that’s even more true for single parents. Your kids are a fantastic filter to help you find the right sort of people.
If a potential date doesn’t understand your children come first, doesn’t appreciate your time commitments, or “just can’t see themselves dating someone with kids”, it’s time to move on. Because there are lots more people who will.
Tip 2: You can’t hurry love. Especially when you have kids
Having children – especially when you’re on your own – means your time is precious. And you can make that work to your advantage when you date. Take the time to get to know someone online before you’re sure you want to meet them in real life.
Take things at your own pace: if they’re serious, they’ll understand. And after a few months of building up the dating experience piece by piece, you’ll have a much stronger foundation for everything that follows.
Tip 3: Get to know what matters most to you
Dating as a single parent will change what you’re looking for in a date. While you might have fallen for those cute, charismatic but unreliable guys in the past, these days you could well be looking for someone more understanding, tolerant and caring.
Focusing on how someone treats you, rather than how many boxes they tick, is a very smart move – and not just for single parents! Take a little time to think about the qualities you’re looking for – and remember it’s better to wait for someone right for you and your kids than to rush into a relationship with the wrong person.
Tip 4: Plan dates that work with your schedule
It’s easy to think a first date should be a drink or dinner. But evenings can be tricky for single parents, and if you’re looking for someone to share your life with you want someone who enjoys sharing the activities you love.
Choose dates that are fun, energising and convenient. A walk through the park at lunchtime, your favourite yoga class, or that cute new café near work. They’re all great places to see how you feel about someone new.
If someone suggests a date that doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to suggest something else. Saying something like “Friday nights are tricky for me, but let’s grab a coffee Monday after work” lets them know you’re open, interested and engaged.
Tip 5: Tell them about your children early on
Healthy dating is open, upfront, in tune with your real life and values, and about meeting people who care for you just how you are.
Don’t be afraid to be upfront about the fact you have kids. Whether you mention it on your profile or drop it in early on your first date doesn’t matter: just be relaxed and open. The right people won’t see dating a parent as a big deal – and they may well have kids themselves.
It’s easy to start your online dating journey with Match. Register today to start your new dating journey. And check out our dating advice guide for more tips including how you can learn from a bad first date and how to create an authentic online dating profile.