5 Best Practices to Online Dating as a Single Parent

Dating in general, and online dating in particular, requires a slightly different approach when you’re a single parent.

When it comes to dating, single parents have a lot of anxiety, dread, doubt, and guilt. Is it too early? What will the kids think? Is it wrong to date since we have so little time with our children? Is it better to tell the ex or not? Do you prefer online dating or hoping to meet someone in person?

There comes a time when you just have to jump in and do it. You can’t keep looking for answers to your questions since the only way to really find out is to start dating and see what happens.

While there are reasons for and against internet dating, I believe it can be an excellent option for a single parent. You have to go on first dates in traditional dating to even assess if you like someone enough to go on more dates. When a date doesn’t go well, this can make you feel like you lost time and missed out on the kids.

However, with online dating, you may get to know someone before meeting them in person. You don’t need a babysitter, you don’t have to leave the kids, and you don’t have to get dressed up to speak on the internet. And having those online talks allows you to swiftly eliminate individuals who aren’t a good fit for you.

But online dating can also become a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing. So keep these 5 tips in mind to make the most of online dating as a single parent.

Choose a reputable site/app

The first, and arguably most critical, step is to find a credible website or app for your needs.

There are likely hundreds of dating sites and applications available. It can be very tempting to go for a free site if you’re a single parent on a tight budget. While some free dating services can produce wonderful results, dating is similar to so many other aspects of life in that you get what you pay for. Anyone can sign up for a free site and say or do anything. Because they don’t want to waste their money, those who invest a small amount of money are more inclined to be honest and forthright.

Embrace your anxiety or fear

When it comes to dating again, we frequently experience anxiety or fear. Both sentiments can be much more severe if we’ve been in a relationship for a long period and this is our first time dating as a single parent.

Accept your emotions. They’re natural and make perfect sense. You’re beginning over, and because of your children, there’s a lot more on the line this time. Anxiety and fear are signs that you are aware of the gravity of the situation.

Accept them and keep moving forward despite them. Create an account on a dating website and put yourself out there. After a few dates, you’ll likely notice that both feelings subside and you’re left with merely the typical first date nervousness.

Ignore judgment from others

Your ex, your mother, Aunt Judy, a coworker… there are lots of individuals in your life who will pass judgment on you. They’ll make sure you know about it, whether they judge you for dating in general or specifically for online dating.

It’s your responsibility to ignore it. It doesn’t matter what they think. Because you are the one who is living your life, yours is the only one that matters.

If you think someone’s statements are more concerned than judgmental, you can tell them you appreciate their care but that you’re alright. You’re an expert at what you’re doing, and you’ll safeguard yourself and your children.

Be positive about wanting to date

It will show up on your profile if you are cautious or pessimistic about dating. And if you’re feeling either of those things, it’s totally acceptable to be content with being alone right now and not dating at all.

If you do want to date, though, be enthusiastic about it. What exactly does that imply?

It implies you shouldn’t include statements like “I’m a little scared about this,” or “I don’t expect to find someone worthwhile, but what the heck?” in your profile. It also means not addressing things like not having a lot of time for dating, not wanting to waste what little time you do have, or any previous relationships and why they didn’t work out.

Put yourself first

As a parent, you’ve grown accustomed to prioritizing your children, which is proper. When it comes to online dating, though, you must prioritize yourself.

Dates to look forward to I don’t want to hear about your children’s academic achievements, favorite movies, or greatest attributes. They want to know your favorite movie, your best attributes, and what you’re searching for in a relationship.

In your dating profile, you should concentrate on yourself, with an emphasis on what you’re searching for in a partner and relationship. Your children are a component of the package, but they are not the most important element.