How to meet someone as a single parent

Meeting someone new as a single parent starts with checking in with yourself, rebuilding your confidence, sorting out childcare and choosing where to look – whether that's dating apps, friends, hobbies or single-parent communities. Take it slowly with your children and only introduce a new partner when the relationship feels serious and stable. At amicable, we help separated parents build the kind of co-parenting routine that makes dating again feel manageable.

This guide by Divorce Specialist Paul Richardson walks you through how to meet someone as a single parent – from building your confidence, to where to look, how to manage childcare and when (and how) to involve your children.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were around 3.2 million lone-parent families in the UK in 2024, so if you're thinking about dating again, you're far from alone.

Listen first: For a helpful conversation on what single parenting after divorce really looks like, listen to The Divorce Podcast episode 'Being a solo parent' with Jo Middleton.

How to start dating again as a single parent – step by step

1. Check in with how you're really feeling
2. Rebuild your confidence at your own pace
3. Sort out reliable childcare and a clear co-parenting routine
4. Decide where you want to meet people – apps, friends, hobbies or communities
5. Take it slowly with your children, waiting until a relationship is serious
6. Find your balance and protect what matters most

How to start dating again as a single parent

Are you ready to start dating again?

Before downloading an app or saying yes to a setup, it's worth pausing to ask yourself how you're really feeling.

There's no 'right' time to start dating after separation or divorce. Some people feel ready within months, others take years. What matters is that you're dating because you want to – not because you feel pressure from friends, family or social media.

• Some helpful questions to ask yourself:
• Have I given myself enough time to process the end of my last relationship?
• Am I dating to meet someone, or to fill a gap?
• What did I learn from my last relationship?
• What do I want this time – companionship, fun or a serious relationship?
• How will I feel if it doesn't work out straight away?

If you're not sure, that's okay. You can always take things slowly, see how it feels and step back if you need to.

How do you rebuild confidence after separation?

Separation can knock your confidence, especially if your last relationship was difficult. Many single parents tell us they feel out of practice, less attractive than they used to or worried they have 'too much baggage' to date.

You don't. Being a parent is part of who you are – and the lessons you've learned from previous relationships can help you spot what's likely to be a better fit for you now.

Small things that can help your confidence:

• Spend time on you. Exercise, sleep, time with friends, a new haircut or a hobby you've put off.
• Reconnect with what makes you, you. Outside of being a parent or someone's ex-partner, what do you love to do and who do you enjoy spending time with?
• Practise being on your own first. Going for coffee alone, a solo cinema trip, a walk – it builds independence and you'll feel more balanced when you do start meeting people.
• Talk to people you trust. Friends, family, a therapist or a coach can help you process what you've been through and feel ready for what's next.
• Be patient. Confidence isn't a switch – it builds slowly through small and consistent actions.

For more on this, read our blog on building confidence after divorce. And for a deeper conversation, listen to The Divorce Podcast episode 'Dating post-divorce: apps, expectations and flirting tips' with Cate Mackenzie. Cate is a sex and relationship therapist and was the Dating Coach on Channel 4's 'The Undateables'.

If you're struggling more than you'd like, our relationships and emotional support resources can help you find the right kind of support.

How do you manage childcare when you start dating?

One of the most practical hurdles for single parents who want to date is childcare. Going for dinner, a coffee or a weekend away takes more planning than it used to – but it's completely manageable.

A few things that help:

• Co-parent communication. If you co-parent with your ex-partner, having a clear, predictable schedule means you'll know when you have free evenings or weekends. A shared calendar or co-parenting app makes this simpler.
• Build a small support network. Family, close friends or a trusted sitter can be a lifeline. Even one or two reliable people makes a big difference.
• Don't over-explain. You don't owe anyone a detailed reason for needing childcare.
• Plan dates around your routine. Lunch dates, daytime walks, after-school coffees – not every date needs to be a late-night out.

If you'd like help building a clearer co-parenting routine, our Separating with Children Service can help you and your ex-partner agree a schedule that works for both households. For more on the practicalities, read our blog on childcare arrangements after separation.

If you'd find it helpful to connect with other separated parents going through the same thing, join amicable space for community, expert advice and live events.

Where can you meet people as a single parent?

There's no single 'best' place to meet someone as a single parent – it depends on your time, your energy and what you're looking for.

Online dating apps. Apps like Hinge, Bumble and Match are popular with single parents because you can browse on your own time. Some apps – like Stitch (over 50s) and Frolo (for single parents specifically) – are designed with single parents in mind. Tip: be upfront that you're a parent in your profile. It filters out anyone who isn't open to this.

Friends and family . Many long-term relationships still start through people you know. Let close friends know you're open to being set up – they often have someone in mind, or can suggest group activities that make introductions easier.

Hobbies and classes. Running clubs, book groups, dance classes and walking groups – anywhere you'd go anyway. Meeting people through shared interests takes the pressure off 'dating' and you'll have something to talk about.

Single-parent communities. Gingerbread, the leading charity for single parent families in England and Wales, runs local groups and online communities for single mums and dads. Frolo is a friendship and community app for single parents that can lead to genuine friendships – and sometimes more. Frolo's founder Zoë Desmond joined Kate Daly to talk about this on The Divorce Podcast episode 'How to be a happy single parent with the founders of Frolo'.

Events and groups. Look for local single-parent meetups, supper clubs or workshops. Eventbrite and Meetup are good starting points.

When should you introduce your children to a new partner?

When and how to tell your children you're dating is one of the most common questions we hear. There's no rule, but many family therapists suggest waiting until a relationship is serious and stable before introducing anyone new.

Some principles that help:

• Don't introduce casual dates. New people can be unsettling for children, especially soon after a separation.
• Wait until you're sure. Many family therapists suggest waiting at least six months into a new relationship before any introduction.
• Talk to your ex-partner first. Where you can, give your ex-partner a heads-up before children meet a new partner. It avoids surprises and helps everyone keep things amicable.
• Keep the first meeting low-key. A short, casual activity – a walk, a park trip, ice cream – is much less pressure than a long meal or a sleepover.
• Let children lead. Some will be curious and chatty, others quiet or wary. Both are normal and it may take time for your child to adjust.
• Reassure them. A new partner doesn't replace their other parent and your love for them doesn't change. Explaining a new relationship in an age-appropriate way can help you feel closer too.

Children often pick up more than we realise, so being honest is usually kinder than trying to hide a new relationship for too long. For practical guidance, read our blog on introducing new partners to your children and our blog on co-parenting boundaries for your children.

If your children are struggling, Gingerbread's advice on helping children through separation is a helpful resource. If you children are older, Split Happens can be a useful tool to hear their peers' experince and process their feelings.

How do you balance dating with single parent life?

Dating as a single parent is a balancing act. You're juggling your children's needs, your co-parenting relationship, work, friendships and your own wellbeing – and now adding someone new into the mix.

Listen: Yuri Sinata joined Kate Daly on The Divorce Podcast episode 'Balancing parenting and work as a single parent' to share her experience and tips on juggling parenting, work and life as a single parent.

Some tips that help keep things balanced:

• Date at your own pace. If something feels too fast, slow it down. You're not behind anyone.
• Protect your time with your children. Don't let dating eat into the time you'd usually spend with them. Date in your child-free time where possible.
• Be honest with new partners. If you're a parent, that comes first. A good match will understand and respect that – and even be curious about their place in a future dynamic.
• Keep your support network close. Friends, family and other single parents will keep you grounded.
• Notice how you feel. If dating starts to feel stressful rather than enjoyable, take a break. There's no rush.

Meeting someone new should add to your life, not take away from it. If a relationship doesn't feel right, it's okay to walk away – even early on.

Moving forward with confidence

Dating again as a single parent isn't about replacing the past – it's about being open to what's next. With self-awareness, good childcare planning, a calm approach with your children and a clear sense of what you want, you can meet someone new in a way that feels right for you and your family. For ongoing support, community and expert guidance as you rebuild after separation, join amicable space – our membership for separating and separated parents with expert resources, live events and a supportive community.

If you and your ex-partner are still working through your separation, our Guided Negotiation Service and Separating with Children Service help couples reach fair agreements without going to court. Book a free 15-minute consultation to find out how we can support you. Read more in this blog 10 tips for dating after divorce or separation and building confidence after divorce

If your teenager or adult child is finding family life confusing right now, Split Happens is a free digital space from amicable for young people aged 13 to 30 whose parents are going through relationship change. It offers real stories, expert-approved advice and a guided chatbot called Yuni – so young peopleteenagers can explore how they feel and find support at their own pace.

FAQs

When is the right time to start dating after separation or divorce?

There's no fixed timeline. Some people feel ready within a few months, others take years. What matters is that you're dating because you want to, not because you feel pressure. A good sign you're ready is when you're curious and open about meeting someone new, rather than trying to fill a gap left by your last relationship.

Should I mention I'm a single parent on dating apps?

Yes. Being upfront in your profile that you're a parent saves time and filters out anyone who isn't open to dating a parent. You don't need to give details about your children – just being honest that you have them is enough.

When should I introduce my children to a new partner?

Many family therapists recommend waiting at least six months into a new relationship before introducing children, and only when the relationship feels serious and stable. Keep the first meeting short, casual and low-pressure – a walk or a park trip works well.

Do I need to tell my ex-partner I'm dating?

You're not legally required to tell your ex-partner you're dating. But if you have children together, it's usually kinder to give them a heads-up before your children meet a new partner. It helps avoid surprises and keeps co-parenting amicable.

How do I find time to date as a single parent?

Plan dates around your child-free time – evenings or weekends when your ex-partner has the children, or when you have reliable childcare. Lunch dates, daytime walks and coffee meetups can fit around school hours too. A predictable co-parenting schedule makes this much simpler.

Where's the best place to meet someone as a single parent?

There's no single best place – it depends on what you're looking for. Dating apps like Hinge, Bumble and Stitch work well if you want to browse on your own time. Frolo is a community app designed specifically for single parents. Hobbies, classes and friends-of-friends also lead to a lot of long-term relationships.

How can I build my confidence to start dating again?

Confidence builds slowly through small, consistent actions. Spend time on things you enjoy, reconnect with friends, practise being on your own and consider talking to a therapist or coach if you're finding it tough. Being a parent isn't baggage – it's part of who you are.

What if my children don't like my new partner?

Children's reactions to a new partner vary hugely – some are curious, others wary. Both are normal. Give them time, don't push and reassure them that your love for them doesn't change. If their feelings persist, listen carefully – they may be picking up on something worth thinking about.