Explore the Best Dating App for Single Mothers

Millions of single mothers find love every year in the United States. After all, while it might seem like a minority group, there are actually over 15 million children being raised by single mothers in the US, and those numbers are climbing.

With Stir, you have a higher chance of finding that special someone. Our dating app was built with single mothers and fathers in mind, so everyone you meet will understand what you’re going through and will be ready to accommodate your needs.

Dating for Single Moms—Finding Love as a Single Parent in 2024

Single mother dating is very different from dating without the responsibility of a child. If you were in a long-term relationship, you’d also have the fallout of that to deal with and could be carrying some emotional baggage. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking for a new partner:

• You Don’t Have to Rush: The best single mother dating advice we can give you is to wait. You can go at your own pace, whether that means dating a few weeks after ending a long-term relationship or waiting for a year or two. There’s nothing wrong with being a single mother enjoying a single life. You’re an unattached woman with a wealth of potential—enjoy yourself and don’t start dating until you’re ready.
• You’re Not Alone: It’s normal to feel lonely in that situation, but there are millions of American moms in your position, and many of them are thriving! Focus on the positives and remember that you’re not alone in your situation or your life.
• People Will Be Interested: We all have moments when life gets on top of us, and we let those negative thoughts rule. If you have just crashed out of a long-term relationship and are left looking after a child, it’s normal. Cast those negative thoughts aside! You always have something to offer, whether it’s health, beauty, vitality, and passion or intelligence, wit, loyalty, and generosity.

• Things Have Changed for the Better: Has it been a while since you entered the dating scene? Don’t worry, as it’s easier than ever. Things are changing all the time, but everything is getting easier and more convenient. Most people date online these days, and you can connect with a new and exciting person in a few clicks. Date when you’re ready, take it as fast or as slow as you want, and if you need a break, step back and relax!
• You Don’t Have to Find a New Family: You’re not dating solely to find a new substitute parent for your son or daughter. That can certainly be your end goal, but that’s a long way down the line. Initially, your goal is to see what you can find as you build your self-confidence, accumulate positive experiences, and prepare for a transition. If you find the perfect partner and want to extend your family, go for it, but there’s no expectation right now.

Why Date as a Single Mother?

You don’t have to date as a single mother. Live the single life if that’s what you want—don your single mother cape and keep being a superhero.

There are many more positives to dating as a single mother, including:

How Should You Date as a Single Mom?

Dating as a single mother isn’t all that different from dating when you didn’t have kids. There are some additional considerations, but you can adapt, work around them, and date successfully. Here are a few single mother dating tips to help you:

• Make Your Situation Clear: We wouldn’t recommend putting pictures of your kids on your profile, but you should make it clear that you have a child/children. Some people won’t be interested, but it’s better to find out now than later. And if you use Stir, a site for single parents, most of the people you meet will be happy to date you, regardless of how many kids you have.
• Don’t Let Your Standards Slip: You know what you want and shouldn’t settle for anything less. As soon as you start making allowances, “He’s sweet, but he gets frustrated easily, he doesn’t want a family with me, and he still lives with his ex”, you’re heading down a slippery slope. It’s okay to be picky.
• Arrange Short Dates: Arranging long evening dates is tough when you have kids at home depending on you. But this is single parent dating—expectations are different. Instead of a movie and a dinner on Friday or Saturday night, meet up for a quick coffee during the day when the kids are at school. With Stir, you can use our scheduling feature to find a day and time when you’re both free.
• Don’t Introduce Your Child Until You’re Ready: Introducing lots of new people to your child is disruptive. When you eventually find the right person, they’ll have seen so many people that they won’t care. Only introduce them when you trust them and can imagine being with them for a long time.
• Make Meetings Fun: When you eventually introduce your child, make it fun for them. Your kid probably won’t be interested in awkward meetings over coffee and on school runs, but if they only see your new partner on fun days out—theme parks, movie theaters, picnics—they’ll associate them with good times.
• Involve a Friend: A close and honest friend can make a massive difference to your dating life. They can check your profile pictures and content with our share your profile -feature, giving you an outsider’s perspective. They will also be there if you need to vent about a bad date or discuss a good one. Just as importantly, they’ll provide some security if you tell them when and where you’re dating, and what time you expect the date to finish.

Stir, the App Designed for Single Parents

Not many sites, apps, or products are tailored toward single mothers getting back into the dating scene. But you only need one: Stir! It’s a safe place to meet prospective partners, arrange dates, and find someone special. It’s also free, so sign up for an account with Stir today and see where it takes you!

Key points