You know that feeling when you see someone you’re attracted to. It feels like electric magnetism occurs. What do you do? Try asking them on a date to find out what all of this electricity is about! Wait, wait whoa, maybe not that fast. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to going on a date in today’s world. Unfortunately, especially if you are a single parent dating. Even more things to consider if you are a single parent dating with limited funds.
On The Dating Prowl While Parenting On Your Own?
Allow us just a little fun. OK – you’re right! You are not exactly on the “dating prowl”. “Prowl” sounds like a sleek, calculating panther or cougar. Sorry for the reference, older ladies, we mean no offense. We’ll just say that you are ready for the dating scene. While you do not have to be calculating, you can be smart about it. Single-parent dating is not for everyone. However, if you’ve decided that it’s for you, read on. We’ll just leave the “prowling” for the animals.
Becoming a single parent happens in a lot of different ways. Just because you have risen to this challenge, doesn’t mean you will always be a single parent. At any rate, you’re ready to start dating again, or maybe you’re dating for the first time in a long time or dating for the first time.
Maybe you always wanted a family and found yourself alone at the adoption agency. You decided your heart was big enough to love a motherless child. You may have wanted a child but did not have a partner, so you opted to become a parent on your own.
Maybe you are divorced with a little one, and you are ready to begin dating again. Whatever brings you to this place in your life, understand you deserve to enjoy your life, your child, and possibly a new significant other.
How you entered single parenthood is just as unique as your motivation to date. There’s no book, no rules, just our guide to light the way. Dive deep, be careful, and enjoy yourself.
Activities Ripe For Dating
Legitimate dates in the age of “swiping right” exist. Many people seem to think it’s OK to skip the dating stage and go right into having a relationship. There are fun things you can do while dating someone. You don’t have to avoid dating. It is not just a formality. It can be tons and tons of fun. Well, let’s start at the beginning. Before we describe:
- All of the fun things you can do on a date
- How to go about acquiring this person to date
- Single-parent dating special concerns
We should discuss:
- What is dating anyway?
Simple Dating Explained
A date is simply an agreed-upon slice of day and time between at least two people to hang out. Usually, the intent is to add to the relationship in some way. This addition is general information about the person. You know them but you don’t know them as well as you’d like to. A date can accomplish getting to know someone to the point of wanting to add to your interaction. You may want to enter a relationship status after dating because you now know about the person through dating.
Don't Start None - Won't Be None
People are motivated to date for various reasons. Whatever your reason, make certain that the other person or people you are dating are on the same page. Dating is the beginning of a relationship. This person can be significant in your life. Through a relationship, they may become a significant person in your child’s life as well. As a result, starting with a good foundation is key. As a single parent, you want to make sure to bring good, wholesome people into your child’s life. In other words – don’t start any – there won’t be any.
- Don’t start drama
- Don’t start static
- Don’t start problems
Don’t start dating troublesome people.
Of course, you don’t know all of these things upfront. People tend to put their best face forward before a date occurs. But, once you see a red flag or a potentially dangerous issue that you want to avoid, don’t ignore it. Yes, you saw it, or you heard it. Don’t pretend it’s not there. ONLY DATE PEOPLE YOU MIGHT WANT TO HAVE AROUND YOUR CHILD. This cardinal rule will make dating smarter and easier. It rules out a lot of people you may be interested in getting to know better. However, as a single parent dating, you always have to consider your child. You are a package deal, so don’t intentionally add a ‘trashy” person to the pack.
Examples of Simple Dates
Going around the corner to get a cup of coffee at Starbucks qualifies as a simple date. It was done way back in the day and continues today. Simply sitting down at a decent place and getting to know someone over a cup of java. Also, chowing down on a tub of popcorn at the movie theater, (with or without a mask) still works. The main takeaway is that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get out and have fun. Romance can be ignited anywhere. Here are some simple dating ideas to try:
- Going to a local botanical garden
- Going to an event at a local library
- Taking a scenic walk in a nearby park
- Take advantage of the free pass day at your favorite museum
- They have free passes at the zoo, as well
Though going on a vacation may not be the right first date for you, it may occur somewhere down the line. When you’re dating has reached the level of going away consider
all-inclusive. This is a way to get everything you want by paying one price. All-inclusive has become the rage all over the world. It simply means that everything is included in your fee. That means:
- Food
- Alcohol
- Beverages
- Accommodations
- Some amenities
If you have a lower income, it’s difficult. You’re trying to fit all the household responsibilities and dating on your plate. All-inclusive are a way to get the most out of your money
Adventure Dating
If you are an outdoors type of person, maybe you’ll decide to date someone outdoorsy too. The whole point is to get out there and enjoy life, so why not kill two birds with one stone? If you’ve always wanted to try bungee jumping but were afraid, now you’ll have a partner. Bungee jumping is only one type of adventure dating option. Here is a short list of some other adventure dating trips to try:
Zip lining – zip lining is an activity of going down a zip line just for fun. Remember walking through the amusement park and seeing the cable cars up in the air? Well, zip lining is a lot like that except you, your harness, and a handle become the cable car. Hold on tight and go through some of the most scenic places. Zip lining is trending now and can be found in every nook and cranny of the world. Just look online for the location you’re interested in.
Parasailing is also known as parascending, parachuting, or paraskiing. The idea is you are being carried or towed behind some sort of moving vehicle. You’re being held by a harness and a cable line that attaches you to the vehicle. This moving vehicle could be a boat as well. Two or three people can parasail at the same time. Great dating idea.
Dating with Children /Family Dating- Taking your children out on your date once you’re comfortable is a great idea. Talk about an adventure! Taking your children out will make them familiar with your potential boyfriend or girlfriend.
Don't Forget the QR Codes At Dinner
Instead of dealing with a potentially covid-infested menu, many restaurants use QR codes at the table. This is simple for you and your children. Just use your cell phone and scan a QR code to see what’s on the menu. Don’t have a cell phone? Contact the friendly professional staff at EASY Wireless. They can hook you up with a cell phone in no time.
Stacking Singles According To Stacker
All the “Single Ladies” – Beyoncé’s hit popular song is used in weddings around the country. DJs use it to gather the single ladies on the floor before the bride’s bouquet is tossed. The tradition follows that whoever catches the bride’s bouquet will be the next one to get married. How can you usher in all of the singles in your neck of the woods? In other words, start singing, “All the single parents, all the single parents, all the single parents, all the single parents, put your hands up!” You may have to open up your area a little. Do research to see where you stand to meet the largest number of eligible people.
If you’re serious about dating other single parents, you may have to consider relocating. Being around other single parents is also good for networking. Chances are resources are better for single parents in a state that has more of them. Check out this article to see where to get a destination for your moving truck.
Stacker has a great article on “The States With The Most Single Parents”.
Understand It Is Over and Move On
We’ve heard celebrity stories of remarriage. A famous couple divorces and then sometimes, several years later, they reconnect and are remarried. It does happen, however, you cannot wait for it to happen.
Your interactions with your ex or the other parent of your child must be civil at the bare minimum. We know this may seem impossible. Think about what goodness drew you to your ex in the first place. Think about how happy your child would be if you were able to get along with his or her other parent. Stop for a moment as you do all of the things you have to do each day and think about making your child happy. Think about making your child healthy. Both of these things can be accomplished by establishing a good, civil, and cordial relationship with your ex. Adult children of divorce and other break-ups of their parents are extremely traumatized by the break-up and the surrounding behaviors.
Take a moment to stop and take account of how you can make the relationship with your ex the very best it can be. Seldom can it be done without outside professional help. This helps assist you in having an objective view of issues. You and your ex cannot be objective
- Objective definition- according to Oxford Languages, being objective is not being influenced by personal feelings or opinions
- Subjective definition – again, according to Oxford Languages, being subjective is just the opposite. You are influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. When you’re close to someone, it’s much harder to be objective.
If you need counseling to help you get over your break-up healthily, seek it and get the help your family needs. Your children will thank you for it. Take your hurt and get healing. Resist the temptation to drag your child into the issues involved with your break-up.
Two very good old sayings are useful for single-parent dating when it comes to the need to move on from the breakup:
- “Take One Day At A Time”
- “Move Forward”
Believe it or not, the time of your life will pass quickly. Unfortunately, life is short and we will not have enough time to do all the things we want to do. As a single parent, spare time does not happen often. Don’t waste time trying to do it all on your own. Get help so that you can move forward. Do you want to waste time on a relationship that has run its course? Doing this minimizes the time you have to work on yourself and work on your new relationship.
More Money for Appetizers Less Money on Dating Apps
We hope you like what we did there – get it – appetizers vs. apps. Don’t be shy, get out there and enjoy life, enjoy dating. But first, get the right cellphone deal on your side, so you don’t have to worry about communication mix-ups, faulty communication, dropped calls, and the like. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a fancy cellphone or an expensive plan. EASY Wireless is in business to help individuals who have low incomes enjoy great cellphone and internet service. You can have access to free online dating apps to give your dating life a boost by using your free EASY Wireless supplied SIM card. Take a look at their website by clicking here, EASY Wireless to learn more about qualifying for the Affordable Connectivity Program and the free or low-cost programs at EASY Wireless. Chances are you will qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you already receive the following benefits:
- Pell Grant Awards
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Dating Apps For Single Parent Dating
There are several outstanding dating apps that you can simply install on your cell phone. EASY Wireless can help you get a low-cost cell phone and Internet program. This will make using a dating app much easier.
Match.com Decided To Look Out For Single Parents, Literally!
Earlier this year, March 21, 2022, was National Single Parents Day. The Match Group chose this day to launch a new dating app just for you! STIR is a dating app created to assist and foster single-parent dating.
STIR users get it. The idea is that the people using the app already know the situation. You don’t have to worry about them not understanding your crazy, single-parent schedule. No longer do you have to decide when the time is right to let them know you have a child or children? Now, they will already know because they are in the same situation.
Ready To Stir Things Up?
This guide offers some things to consider when dating. It’s all about communicating with someone. You know how to enhance your communication and EASY Wireless is there to help you with services and devices. Take the spark of electricity to the next level. Date. Having something in common with your date can flourish forever. Take it slow, follow your heart and your head, and enter the single-parent dating scene with vim and vigor. You can do it.
