Should you only use dating sites specifically designed for single parents?
Should you disclose that you have kids on your profile?
How will you find time to date with familial obligations?
Each of these concerns was considered as I vetted the best dating apps for single parents.
It’s been going for years and has a reputation as the ultimate way to find real love online.
“Eharmony is definitely worth your time,” says certified sex therapistAliyah Moore, Ph.D. You won’t be able to do much of anything on eharmony without paying.
The silver lining is that the price ensures most users on the site are dedicated to looking for love.
launch the box below for tester feedback or read ourfull eharmony review here.
This was due to the apps detailed questionnaire and advanced matching algorith.
Matchis a great option for single parents looking for a serious relationship.
It’s a long-running site founded in 1995 (!)
Similar to eharmony, you’ll have to pay to get anything worthwhile out ofMatch.com.
There are various subscription options (detailed below) with prices ranging from about $16/month to $27/month.
King has been using Match since the early 2000s, when it was one of the only options available.
Read our tester feedback below or check out ourfull Match review here.
Not to mention half of our editorial staff has met their partners on Hinge.
This feature is extremely helpful for single parents looking to meet someone who will fit into their life.
Read our tester feedback below or check out ourfull Hinge review here.
She notes, though, that the app often shows her matches outside of her desired radius.
One tester, Mark Benson, used the site for six months and had one serious relationship.
One testimonialon the site explains, “I was a single mom of a toddler.
Never really thought I’d find someone special, to be honest.
We are getting married next month.
He is the best father to our son.
Meeting him on here is the best thing to happen to me!”
If you don’t do so within 24 hours, the match disappears.
you might pay to unlock more features on Bumble, but the free version does everything you need.
Expand the text below for our tester’s feedback, or read our fullBumble review here.
Our testers had mixed feedback on Bumble, which is to be expected since everyone has different dating preferences.
Hawkins says that while Bumble is user-friendly and a cute concept, the matches werent very responsive.
Because the female has to message first, the men felt passive to her.
That’s whereChristian Minglecomes in.
The app boasts over 15 million singles who are looking for a relationship where Christian values are central.
so that message people you’re interested in on the site, you must pay for a subscription.
These range in price from around $42/month down to $20/month if you commit for half a year.
Stir
Stiris a newer dating app from the same people asMatch.com.
Of course, being in its infancy meansStirhas fewer active users (especially in less populated areas).
Unsurprisingly, most of our testers named safety as one of their primary concerns when dating online.
That’s why we prioritized apps with profile vetting and additional safety precautions.
For more advice on how to stay safe on dating apps, check out our expert-adviseddating app safety tips.
What’s more, experts say dating as a single parent can have benefits for your children as well.
Is it hard for single parents to date?
Like we said, online dating can be frustrating in itself.
But if youre using therightdating apps with therightmindset, they can be a huge asset.
In fact, research suggests dating apps are nowthe most common wayfor couples to meet.
All that in mind, the experts we interviewed provided some valuable tips for dating as a single parent.
Tips for dating as a single parent
Keep talk about your kids brief.
But then your date is learning more about your kids than you."
Finding the right balance is key.
But don’t apologize or make excuses for having kids.
You do not have to be sorry or make excuses for being a parent," says Moore.
Keep first dates easy and in accessible locations.
So keep them easy, and don’t make them too complex.
“you’re able to opt for a cup of coffee (or tea or a smoothie).
Find a cafe close to work or home, and use that for all your first dates.
That way, you never have to think about where you’re going,” suggests Moore.
Things can be too good to be true.
When people run too quickly into a serious and committed relationship, they risk mistaking passion for companionship.
Slow down, listen to your gut, and follow it, he advises.
Ignore the haters.
But as Moore explains, “Judgment doesn’t deserve even the slightest acknowledgment.
If someone announces their judgmental opinion to you, just change the subject.
Do that every time they bring it up, and eventually, they’ll get the hint.”
Some of our other favorite dating apps
Looking for more guidance on which dating app to use?
FAQ
How do single moms start dating?
As our expert mentioned, kids can benefit from you meeting new people, too.
What is the best dating site for single moms?
The best dating sites for single moms depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want to meet other single parents, eitherSingleParentMeetorStirwould be a great option for you.
Those looking for a serious relationship should try outeharmony,Hinge, orMatch.com.
As mentioned,59% of Match usersare also single parents.
How do I meet other single moms?
If you specifically want to meet other single parents, we suggest eitherSingleParentMeetorStir.
