How to Date as a Single Father

The number of single fathers in the United States nearly doubled between 1990 and 2020, and it grows every year. You are not alone, as there are over 3 million Americans in the same position, and most people know at least one person who was raised by a single father.

Tips for Dating as a Single Father

Dating as a single dad is different from dating without kids. You have responsibilities to consider and may be struggling with emotional issues, not to mention time management problems. Read on for some single dad dating advice.

Being Honest and Open About Your Status

Don’t hide the fact that you have kids from potential matches. Some women might only want men who don’t have kids, but they definitely don’t want secretive men who lie to them. If you want a serious relationship, be clear about your current situation.

Be Open With Your Kids

You should be open with your kids about your dating life. Don’t hide things from them for fear that they will judge you. They’ll figure it out eventually, and it’s better if it comes directly from you. You don’t have to announce your plans as soon as you download a dating app and start looking, but when you reach a point where you’re going on regular dates and meeting some new women or men, tell them.

Don’t Neglect Your Kids

Remind your kids that they are a major part of your life and will remain at the top of your list of priorities regardless of what happens. You’re not trying to find a replacement parent for them, and you’re definitely not looking for someone who will become more important than they are.

If You’re Not Ready, Take a Break

Just coming out of a relationship? Recently separated, divorced, or widowed? The best solution might be to take some time off. Focus on yourself. Find a rhythm in your life, ensuring you have time for yourself, your children, and your work. Diving in headfirst at the first opportunity could cause instability in your life and make things tough for your kids.

You might be anxious about the prospect of online dating as a single father. You could face some confidence issues, as well. None of that really goes away. But it does get better, so if you’re struggling, take a break and restore some balance in your life.

Use a Dating App for Single Parents

Stir was created to help single parents find suitable matches. It’s a community of single moms and dads where you can relax and take your time finding the perfect person. Sticking with a single-parent dating site means you’re not going to find people who only want to date childless men and women, thus increasing your chances of finding someone.

Get to Know Them First

Spend time chatting with them on a dating app or over the phone. Free time is a valuable and finite resource in your life, so you don’t want to expend it on people who aren’t compatible and don’t have what you’re looking for. Wait until you’re sure they are a great fit.

Taking the time to read through their profile, perusing their likes and dislikes, and then chatting to them may seem more time-consuming, but you’ll save much more time than you waste, and it could save you a lot of stress, hassle, and heartbreak as well.

How to Date as a Single Dad

The dating scene can be intimidating, and you may struggle to find the time for dates or to pluck up the courage to meet new people. That’s where it gets interesting, though, and once you’ve met someone online, it’s time to meet them and move things forward.

Arrange Short Dates

The single father and single mother struggle can give headaches. You won’t have a lot of free time on your hands, and you may feel like you’re constantly battling stress and tiredness. It’ll be even harder when you start arranging dates, especially if you’re dating other single parents.

There will be scheduling conflicts, last-minute appointments, and emergencies that make you feel like you might as well give up. Don’t. Be patient. Instead of arranging a Friday or Saturday night restaurant and movie date, meet your date or new partner for a quick coffee. It’s much easier to find a spare hour or two during the week than it is to free up an entire day or evening.

Value Your Experiences

Being a single father can be stressful. It’s tough, and it can make dating an intimidating experience. You might struggle to find time because you have kids, and those kids might drive a wedge between you and your new fling. But you just need to take it on the chin, accept the experience, and move forward. You can use what you’ve learned to improve your future dating experiences.

It will get easier. You will have more luck. And if you keep going, you’ll find the perfect match.

Be Patient

You have all the time in the world to find a special someone. There is no rule that says you need to ask someone out on a date after sending a certain number of messages, and there’s definitely no rule dictating when you should kiss them, sleep with them, and tell your kids about them. Take your time and go at your own pace.

If you meet people who demand a little more urgency, let them know that you lead a busy life and have to put your kids first. Ask for their patience, and if they don’t give you it, maybe you’d be better off without them.

Wait Before Introducing Your New Date to Your Kids

Your kids need stability, so give them someone who they can trust and love. Only introduce them to someone new when you’re confident that you’re onto something special. When that time comes, take it easy and make it a gradual introduction.

You need to get this right because if they don’t hit it off, it could spell the end of your relationship. At the very least, it’s going to make for some awkward interactions going forward and may create unhealthy tension and angst that damages your relationship with your kids.

Summary: Stir, the App Specifically Designed for Single Fathers

You love your kids. You need them in your life, and you’re okay with that. So, don’t let your current situation drag you down. It might make dating a little trickier, but it’s an adventure, and there are countless men and women out there who will be more than happy to date you. Stir was made for men and women dating single parents and juggling the issues that it can bring. We have a huge community of singles and all the features you need to connect with single moms and build something special.

So, get back on the horse and enjoy the ride!

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