Finding a partner as a single parent: problems and tips
Finding a partner as a single parent: You probably often wish you had several versions of yourself so that you could manage your job, child, and household without time pressure. Your everyday life has to be tightly organized so that you can juggle all the different aspects of your life.
That's why a good network is all the more important. Single parents often bear the burden of professional and educational responsibilities all on their own. There is usually simply no room left for finding a partner. We'll show you how to juggle both and finally create space for finding a partner!
The problem of finding a suitable partner
You meet someone, but as soon as the topic of children comes up, many people shy away or take flight.
Many childless people do not want to take on the responsibility of a child right from the start.
3. The child will always come first, and many people cannot cope with the feeling of being second choice.
Finding a partner as a single parent is often quite time-consuming and not easy to fit into a stressful everyday life.
You simply don't have the energy to go out looking for a partner in the evening. A good network of friends and family is essential for actively searching for a partner.
The number of single parents has risen steadily in recent years. The proportion of single mothers is significantly higher than that of single fathers.
However, the desire to have a family of one's own remains constant. As you know best, there are solutions to every problem. This means that you too can manage the balancing act between parenthood and partnership.
3 Prejudices about single parents
Single parents don't have it easy, even though they manage to do so much in their everyday lives. Childcare, housework, work, and not to mention time management. But despite this impressive feat, single parents are bombarded with prejudices when they are looking for a partner.
1. Single parents are only looking for financial support
The classic question is probably “Are you looking for someone to take care of your children? Or would you rather find someone to help you financially?” The common accusations and prejudices cause more frustration than optimism. Single parents are not looking for someone to relieve them of their responsibilities, at least when it comes to their children. After all, single parents are quite experienced in this regard.
Rather, they are finally looking for a partner in crime with whom they can spend their everyday life. It's about going on trips together, Netflix evenings on the sofa with a glass of wine, and spending time together in the evening after the children are in bed.
2. Single fathers are heroes and single mothers are stigmatized
Single mothers are particularly often the subject of criticism. They are often directly stigmatized by single men. But a quick look beyond the horizon shows that there are also many single fathers who long for a relationship. In the eyes of women, single fathers are almost considered real heroes. It even has an attractive effect on women, because it shows them that family is important to the man and that he cares.
Incidentally, two-thirds of all men have no problem with a single mother. On the contrary, they would even prefer the patchwork family option.
3. Single parents are incapable of relationships
Many single parents eventually lose interest in looking for a partner. They often find themselves in an endless loop of meeting new people, postponing dates because of the children, organizing various tedious meetings, and in the end, the chemistry just isn't there.
This is very frustrating, but it doesn't mean they are incapable of relationships! Online dating, for example, offers a great opportunity for single parents to find true love without any stress.
Single parents and online dating: 6 reasons to search online
It's easy—sign up, try it out, and send your first message.
It fits perfectly into your schedule because you decide when to respond.
Increase your chances of success on dates by simply being honest, because honesty is still the best policy.
You can choose your potential partners yourself and only receive partner suggestions that suit you.
You will only come into contact with people who have serious intentions and will have no problem with your child.
Meet singles with a sense of family – simply select “Yes” under Children in your search settings for partner suggestions.
LemonSwan offers free membership for single parents who can provide proof of their status as a single parent. You can read about what you can submit as proof here.
Of course, you can also contact our customer service team at any time with your questions about LemonSwan and your profile.
10 dating tips for single parents
Have you found someone you like and can't stop raving about them? How wonderful, you deserve it! Now you're facing the next challenge and maybe feeling a little panicked because your last date was years ago?
Our tips for the getting-to-know-you phase
Involve your child, because they remain the center of your life and should be informed from the outset.
You are a talented organizer. Take advantage of this and plan in advance when you can make time for a date—your child will also enjoy spending a day with grandma and grandpa.
Avoid taboo topics such as your child's father, and don't just talk about your child.
Listen attentively and respond to the topics your date brings up.
Have you mastered the first few dates with flying colors? Great, then it's time to do something together with your child.
Don't let yourself get flustered; your life is stressful enough and your date should understand if you don't have time or have to cancel at short notice.
Be patient and don't try to win over your date at all costs.
Be open and honest and don't hide your fears or everyday stress.
If you're happy, your child will be too—children instinctively sense whether their parents are doing well or not.
Be yourself—authenticity is extremely attractive.
Conclusion: Online dating agencies – a great opportunity for single parents
As a single parent, using an online dating agency to find a partner offers you great opportunities to meet someone with serious intentions and provides you with the flexibility you need in your life. Of course, it's not always easy, but with the right organization and a strong will, nothing stands in the way of your new love.
