Dating a single mum

Single moms have a lot on their plates, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find a partner. Being a parent is one of the best experiences in people’s lives, and keeping their dating lives, well, alive is a huge deal. You have to be really special to turn a mom’s attention from their kids to you. So remember that they are making space for you in their lives, and appreciate that you’ll need to be flexible if you want to date a single mom.

If you’re interested in meeting a single mom to take out on a few dates, here’s our top tips and advice on online dating a single mom.

What is Even?

We developed Even with single parents in mind. Looking after their dating lives is an individual challenge, because single moms might be moms, but they are people with their own relationships and ways of being that are completely their own.

Even is a dating app primarily for single parents, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a single parent to join. Just be open to dating someone with children, and you’re more than welcome, as long as you are kind, respectful and considerate that most people on Even will come with a family, you’re welcome to join us.

Why do I need dating advice to date single moms?

Dating advice is always helpful, right?! And you should acknowledge that online dating a single mom is slightly different to dating anyone else, they are unique people with entire worlds, lives, and priorities that are really important to understand.

Challenging insecurity when you might not be someone’s everything because they have a family to care for too is key. It’s not always about you when they can’t make that date because their child has a parents’ evening or a late cancellation when the kids have the flu, and you need to come from a place of understanding with that.

So, dating a single mom can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience, but realize and accept that they are people too with a lot of things to do!

Some top tips for dating a single mom

In the UK, there are around three million single parent families according to the 2021 census, so there’s no need to rule out dating a single mom. Don’t forget that lots of single moms are an integral part of our society nowadays, and they should be respected and supported in every way possible – especially when it comes to finding a partner who is a single mom.

There are actually a few standard rules that you can stand by that will help you maintain a relationship with a single mom (or just start one with a great first date).

1. Lead with understanding, openness and care

There’s one thing you should know if you want to date a single mom: you’re not the most important person in her life right away. Her kids come first; they always will. So being understanding of that is one of the most essential things to remember when you’re dating a single mom. Be kind, ask her if there’s anything you can do to make it easier for her, and try to not get too frustrated when she has other priorities sometimes.

2. Don’t make them feel guilty

Single moms have stuff to do!
They have meetings to attend and sometimes things don’t go to plan – but try to remember that it’s less to do with you and more to do what’s best for her family.

Don’t ask her to miss a school play or reschedule a playdate to fit your needs, single moms don’t need any more pressure.

3. Make your boundaries clear

Meeting the kids might seem like a great idea, but it takes time.

• Figure out what you want from your dating life and reconsider when it comes to online dating a single mom.
• Think about how often you’d like to each other, and make that clear to her.
• Talk about what your life looks like so she can help you plan for date times and be flexible in your dating life to make sure neither of you find yourselves feeling lesser than.

4. Never overstep your place

Remind yourself that they’re not your children. Even if you just want to help, you can’t just start telling them (or her, for that matter), what to do or how they should feel about their mother dating. Single mothers are used to handling their own lives and their own children, so make sure that you don’t overstep and rush into things – mother knows best, after all.

5. Be amenable

The key to dating a single mom? Be flexible. It can be hard, but being kind is one of the best things you can do when dating a single mom. Difficulties happen, especially when it comes to the kids, so don’t take everything to heart and try to plan dates for times of day that suit her, not the other way around.

• She can’t go to the bar? Plan a lunch date.
• She’s not ready to tell her kids you’re dating? Don’t make her.

Flexibility is essential when dating a single mom.

Meet someone who understands you on Even

Whether you’re a single mom looking to get back out there, or a lone dad who needs some advice on how to start dating again, Even is here to support you.

For our LGBTQ+ parents and partners, we’ve got you covered too.