With Mother’s Day just around the corner we thought it was about time we paid a little attention to all the lovely single mums out there! …But in the end, we just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave out the dads, so don’t worry single dads, this is for you too!

Dating is hard at the best of times, not to mention when you’ve got little ones to think about too. But fear not! Just Parent Singles is a dating site that understands your needs as a parent setting out on the quest for love. And with that in mind, here’s our top tips for some successful single mum (and dad) dating…

Take your time
Dating as a single parent means there’s always going to be more than just two people involved. Don’t expect to become a perfect ready-made family with the first person you meet; instead try to let things unfold naturally. Introducing a new partner to your little (or even not so little) ones before you know where the relationship is going will only make things even more complicated than they need to be. So, only make these introductions when you feel completely ready, and remember, your partner may not even be ready for this step at the same time as you. Just take it sloooow.

Be honest
Always be honest about your situation right from the start, hey, put it on your profile if you like! The last thing you want is to start talking to someone, who later runs a mile when they discover you have children. Letting potential dates know that you’re a parent will not only ensure that you’re attracting the right sort of person, you’ll also avoid any awkward chats when you do have to drop the bombshell.

Check for compatibility
When you’ve found the right person they’ll fit seamlessly into your everyday life, but it’s always good to establish early on if your parenting styles are compatible. Ask questions about how they handle certain situations and when you do eventually spend time with each other’s children, be observant. Boyfriend/girlfriend material jokes aside, this is about finding some stepdad/stepmum material!

Make time for yourself
There’s no denying that dating takes a lot of time and effort, so when you’re juggling the search for love with family life, it can get a little overwhelming. Don’t forget to save time for your own hobbies, career and social life, as well as a little “me time” now and then! There’s nothing wrong with taking a step back and taking some time out to recharge every once in a while – Trust us, it’ll be worth it in the end!

Have you got any tips for single parent dating you’d like to share? Tell us, we’d love to hear!

And of course… Happy Mother’s Day!

Until next time,

The Just Singles Team.

About the author…

Emma is a Marketing Engagement Executive. She went to Bournemouth Arts University and has a degree in Fashion Studies. She has a love for vintage markets and enjoys nothing more than a weekend at a muddy music festival.