The 5 Best Dating Sites and Apps for Single Parents
As we all know, dating is not the easiest time. It is well known that single parents are not the easiest. Put them together and it can feel like dating as a single parent is nearly impossible.
The good news is: you are certainly not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly a quarter of children in the United States live in single-parent households. That means there are plenty of single parents like you and plenty of single parents who are committed to their families And wouldn’t mind a little romance in their lives.
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To make this endeavor feel less impossible, we’ve reviewed some of the best dating apps and websites for single parents. We know – dating apps don’t always have the best reputation, but there are actually apps these days designed specifically for parents and some features of more popular apps like Hinge that can aid the dating process.
But if we want to talk about the solutions, it’s also important to address the problem of why dating can be so difficult for single parents.
Why it’s so hard to stay current as a single parent
Sometimes the most obvious answer is also the most accurate, and for single parents, free time can be a major limitation in their dating life.
“When someone is responsible for raising their children full-time, time is the most difficult/sensitive issue,” said Karen Bonnell, divorce, co-parenting and stepfamily coach and author of The Stepfamily Handbook wrote in an email to Mashable. “Even as the children move back and forth in a two-home family, dating time is often adjusted to reflect that schedule and can feel compressed and/or a bit like a whip of ‘independent adult dating’ and ‘responsible parenting’.” “
The 12 Best Dating Sites for Finding a Serious Relationship
Even though dating apps require some effort and time, using the right apps can help streamline the process of meeting a new person, making them a good option for single parents looking to date . An algorithm that actually shows you people you might be compatible with, rather than everyone within a 10 mile radius who has a pulse, is a huge bonus.
Of course, with time comes the ability to commit to a relationship. “It may work, but it’s not easy,” Bonnell wrote. “The ability to talk openly about these barriers and reach reasonable agreements will predict the long-term stability of the relationship with a parent.”
In other words: openness and open communication contribute significantly to this. These types of boundaries are also easier to set and communicate when you’re dating someone who understands your situation, which brings us to the next point.
Are there dating sites just for single parents?
Popular dating sites are the best places to ensure you meet a wide range of users, but when dating as a single parent, curation can be crucial.
The dating app market has expanded to include apps designed specifically for parents. In 2020, both single parents and family-oriented people might start looking for love on heybaby. In 2022, Match Group launched Stir, designed specifically for single parents (although anyone can join).
To learn more about what we think of each of these additions to the online dating market, as well as other of the best dating apps for parents, check out our recommendations below.
