Jumping back into the dating scene can often seem overwhelming for single moms, especially when you start thinking about actually finding the time to date. But, it’s important to understand that the timing might never seem perfect, and you should allow yourself to just enjoy the experience and excitement of meeting someone new. As a single mom, you might never find it as easy to date as you did before you had kids, but with so many options for meeting new people today, finding your special somebody doesn’t have to be impossible.  

Being up to date when it comes to the latest dating trends is important for success in finding love as a single mom; even just a couple of years out of the dating game can put you at an advantage. Spend some time trying new dating apps and websites and engage with users who show interest in you to bring yourself up to date and make sure that you feel comfortable when it comes to getting serious about finding a match. Here are some expert tips that might help you make the most of dating as a single mom.

Make Dating a Priority:

As a single parent, you’re probably not used to making anything but your child a priority. And with your hands full, you might not always find it that easy to get an hour or two to yourself to go on a date. But if you’re serious about finding the right person for you and being in a relationship, it’s important to commit. Take advantage of any time that you do get to yourself, or arrange playdates or visits to the family for your kids so that you can make some extra time for dating.

Date with Intention:

You’re a single parent and you’re trying to make the most of the time that you have to date, so it’s important that you don’t waste the time that you do have on people who just don’t make the cut. If somebody doesn’t line up with what you need or want in a relationship, move on and find somebody new. Don’t forget that dating doesn’t always have to lead to a relationship and many people find that even though they’re not compatible romantically, they can become great friends. If you’re just not feeling it with a person, you won’t be doing either of you any favors by continuing to date them because you feel bad.

Pace Yourself:

You can’t try to speed up a relationship because you’re scared of being alone, and on the other hand, moving too slow because you’re worried about something going wrong can also cause issues. Relationships need time to grow and be nurtured, so let it move along at a natural pace and do what feels right at the time. Rushing into things head first could be the absolute worst decision for both you and your child, so don’t be afraid to take your time getting to know somebody before you decide whether or not they are right for you.

Put Your Fears Aside:

Once you have children, dating can often seem scarier than it used to be - and there are too many potential pitfalls to count. But, don’t dwell on your fears when it comes to dating. If your previous relationship has left you reeling, it might be worth considering how it’s affected the way you date now and spending some time thinking about what you can do to make sure that your past experiences don’t end up negatively impacting your present. It’s quite natural for most people in the dating scene to be worried about avoiding situations that they have encountered in past relationships, but don’t let this control your love life. If you find yourself worrying about this quite a lot, getting some therapy can help you get over your past experiences and take back control.

Come Up with a Plan:

Before you start dating, it’s a good idea to have a plan. This is especially important for single moms who are looking for something potentially serious and long-term in a date, as you want to make sure that you find the right person for you and your family. Don’t just start dating and hope that it all works out. Be strategic. You’re more likely to find the right person for you if you have clearly defined your wants, needs, and goals in a relationship before you begin. And, if you’re using online dating sites, having clear requirements in a potential future partner can help you narrow down your matches to more suitable ones. This is made easy with platforms such as JustKiss, which will ask you a number of key questions when you first sign up. All of the information you give is then used by their market-leading matchmaking technology to help you find the right person for you.

Ask for Help:

There’s nothing wrong with asking for some help when you’re trying to get back in the dating game. You might have friends or relatives who are willing to offer you some advice to help you get back into dating, or you might even want to consider hiring an expert like a dating coach or matchmaker. Many dating coaches often offer their services online, so you can speak to them at times that are convenient to you to get valuable advice that will help you plan your strategy and make the most of your time.

Trust Your Gut:

Most single moms will start dating online, and while this is a great way to meet new people, there are also some risks involved. It’s a good idea to have a telephone or video call before you meet your date in person, as this is a good screening tool that can help you figure out how you feel about somebody before you commit to meeting them for a date. When speaking to matches, trust your gut - if you have a bad feeling about something, don’t ignore it.

Avoid Feelings of Guilt:

It’s not uncommon for some single moms to feel guilty about leaving their kids to go out and date. But, change your mindset when it comes to this; after all, this is your time to go out, have a drink and relax, and you deserve it. Think of it in the same way as you would consider leaving your little ones with a relative to go out and meet friends; you’re entitled to have some time to yourself and you know that your kids are in good hands.

Wait to Introduce the Kids:

Finally, it’s a good idea to wait some time until you are sure before you introduce your kids to a potential new partner. Be prepared for the fact that kids are going to start bonding with them, and will be engaged with them on some level even if you don’t always notice it. Teens and adult children might take a little bit longer to come around than younger kids; the best option here is to allow them to move their own pace when getting to know your new partner. And, don’t lose your balance - even if you’re in love, don’t spend all your free time with your partner. Doing things together as a family can be just as fun, especially if they have kids of their own.

Dating as a single mom can seem scary and overwhelming at first, but with the right strategies, you can improve your chance of finding the love of your life.