How to use dating apps as a single parent:
Okay, you’ve got the tools, now it’s time to put them to good use. Dating as a single parent can feel daunting, almost as nerve-wracking as stepping into the Love is Blind pods. To help, we asked our dating experts for their top tips on finding love after kids.
Set the right mindset
“Don’t see being a single parent as a stigma because it’s only a stigma to the wrong people,” urges Rose. “Blended families are common, and being a single parent doesn’t mean you failed; it means you created a beautiful life from a relationship that ended. Be upfront from the start and never date anyone who says they couldn’t love another person’s child as their own. Do your due diligence before committing to anyone.”
Separate your parenting identity from your dating identity
Dr Suglani encourages single parents to keep their dating life distinct from their parenting role: “You deserve to experience romance, fun, and connection as yourself, not just as a ‘mum’, ‘dad’, or ‘parent’. Nurturing that side of you can make you a happier, more fulfilled parent, and it also sets a great example for your kids, showing them it’s okay to date again.”
Prioritise safety
Always meet new people in public spaces at first, and make sure friends or family know where you’re going. Safety is especially important when balancing dating with parenting.
Show your full self
Riske urges parents not to limit themselves to just their parental identity. Share the many facets that make you, you. On Feeld, use the Desires and Interests features to express your passions, creativity, kinks, and individuality beyond parenthood. On other apps, a detailed bio and thoughtfully filled prompts can do the same by letting potential matches see the whole picture, not just the ‘parent’ part of your life.
Be honest about your time
Let potential matches know from the start about your schedule and responsibilities. Clear communication about your availability avoids misunderstandings and ensures that your dating life fits realistically around your kids.
Don’t settle
Being a single parent can feel like you’re carrying a little extra “baggage,” but that doesn’t mean you should lower your standards. “It’s easy to think your options are limited, but you deserve a relationship that feels emotionally safe and expansive, not just convenient,” urges Dr Suglani. “Learn from past relationships and communicate your needs openly — you deserve a love that truly fits.”
Blend routine with romance
Ryan notes that Even’s research found 81% of single parents benefit from combining everyday tasks with social connection. Something as simple as a dog walk can be the perfect way to meet a potential partner — ticking off a daily chore, getting some fresh air, and spending quality time together. It’s a practical (and romantic) way to blend routine with romance.
Remove the pressure
“My top tip? Don’t go into dating expecting a romantic relationship,” says Coutry. “You might make a new friend, or at the very least connect over your shared experience. If sparks fly, brilliant! If not, you’ve still enjoyed a free therapy session.”
Not every date needs to lead to a serious relationship. Some encounters may end in friendship, fun, or simply a confidence boost, and that’s perfectly okay.
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