Dating as a single parent just got easier! Explore the 7 best dating apps for single parents.
Ever wonder if it’s even possible to date as a single parent and have someone understand your whole “weekend soccer coach + bedtime negotiator” life? I feel you.
Between school pickups, tantrum negotiations, and hoping someone won’t bail when they hear “I have kids,” it can feel impossible.
But the good news? There are dating apps designed just for single parents. No more explaining that the laundry pile is real or making excuses for a 7 pm bedtime. Let’s dive into the top spots where single parents can date smarter, not harder.
1. Stir – Designed Specifically for Single Parents
Stir comes straight from Match Group, and it gets single parents. You won’t need to mention your kids. They’re part of the profile, and that’s normal here. The app asks about parenting style, custody schedules, and what kind of relationship you want based on your family life.
It offers personality-based matching, so you date someone who understands your values and schedule. Some users say it’s pricey and want more filters like smoking or drinking preferences—fair note—but most appreciate not explaining their bedtime routines on every first date.
As a single parent, you’ll love that Stir lets you jump straight into meaningful conversations. No random swipes at 3 am, wondering if they’ll judge your Cheerios obsession. It’s clear, focused, and, most importantly, respectful of your time and priorities.
2. Frolo – Community + Dating in One Platform
Frolo describes itself as a blend of “support group meets dating app.” You can connect in community mode (for chats, playdate tips, support) or switch to dating mode when you’re ready.
It has thoughtful profile options, number of kids, parenting style, and even favorite family day activities. That helps ensure you meet someone who gets your life. The catch? It launched in the UK and isn’t as full in the U.S., so your match pool might feel small if you’re outside Europe.
But if you land on the community side, wow, it feels great to connect with other single parents. Even if dating doesn’t spark right away, the support and shared experiences are ultra-valuable. It’s like having friends who “get it” 24/7, and dating is just icing on that cake.
3. SingleParentMeet – Budget-Friendly & Focused
SingleParentMeet has been around a while, mostly as a website, with no swiping app. But if you care more about serious connections than quick chat, this one works.
You get search filters like number of kids, custody situation, and parenting lifestyle. And the price? Lower than most dating apps, perfect if you’re budgeting for babysitting and groceries before dating subscriptions.
Yes, the interface feels old-school. But here’s the thing: people use it because they’re serious. No frills, no TikTok-level interface, just focused profiles and real conversation. If you want straightforward, this delivers.
4. Playdate – UK-Born, Emotionally Intelligent
Playdate started in the UK as a dating app just for single parents. It targets those who want meaningful relationships, not hookups.
It encourages profiles that openly address trauma, kids, and emotional needs. The result? People on Playdate approach one another with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Think “looking for someone who understands bedtime stories and emotional baggage without a side of creepy.” It’s niche, sure, but genuine.
Because it focuses less on visuals and more on emotional fit, Playdate feels real. If you crave honesty and emotional safety more than glossy design, this one’s a solid pick.
5. Even – A New Player With Verified Safety
Celebrity mum Lydia Bright recently joined Even, a single-parent app launched by Meetic/Match Group. She’s enthusiastic about its verified profiles and thoughtful design, everything from parenting status to video-call options lives in-app.
It offers up to 100 daily profiles and free messaging—a great option for parents wanting to test the dating waters before committing. Video and voice features also help screen matches before worrying about childcare arrangements.
Fans appreciate that Even focuses on trust and respect, and it’s refreshing to see safety features front and center. If you’re cautious about child safety, this app earns points.
6. Facebook Dating – Because You Already Use Facebook
Yes, you can do better than Facebook for memes—but for dating? Facebook Dating works surprisingly well for parents. It uses your existing social graph, groups, and events to find mature matches.
Mutual friends help you de-risk potential dates, and shared group membership offers immediate conversation starters. Plus, it’s free and doesn’t clog your phone with another app!
Sure, some might say it’s “creepy” to have FB staring at your love life, but it is effective. It surfaces people already in your world and, more importantly, understands your busy life.
8. SingleParentMatch & Next Love – Premium, Niche, No Frills
- SingleParentMatch.com is one of the OG single‑parent sites, aimed at long-term relationships, blended families, and even friendship communities. It’s mainly web-based, but worth considering for serious dating.
- Next Love caters to divorced or single parents. It has solid filters and high membership costs (~$235/year), but the quality shows—people know what they want and don’t waste time.
These platforms feel like boutique dating: fewer people, but more intentionality.
🔎 Bonus Picks: Mainstream Apps With Parent-Friendly Filters
If you’re not ready to go niche, mainstream apps let you filter or mention children in your profiles.
- eHarmony: Deep compatibility scores, but pricey and often long-term.
- Match: Massive user base, good filters, but feels dated sometimes.
- OkCupid: Quirky questionnaires and liberal deal-breakers.
- Bumble: Women (or anyone) message first—nice for control.
- POF: Free, no filters, but has a big spam problem.
These aren’t parent-specific, but with smart filters and honest bios (“mom of two, bedtime by 7 pm”), they can work surprisingly well. You just need to do more profile work.
💡 Choosing the Right One for You
With all these options, how do you decide?
| App | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Stir | Dating focus + schedule features | Practical, parent-first |
| Frolo | Community support + dating | Warm, dual-mode |
| SingleParentMeet | Budget and seriousness | Simple, no-frills |
| Playdate | Emotional safety | Sensitive, thoughtful |
| Even | Verified safety features | Secure, vetted |
| Facebook Dating | Social trust + free | Familiar, low-effort |
| Feeld | Casual but respectful | Open-minded, clear |
| SingleParentMatch/Next Love | Premium niche dating | Intentional, filtering depth |
| Mainstream apps | Big pool, flexible filters | Customizable, DIY approach |
Final Thoughts- Best Dating Apps for Single Parents
Dating as a single parent doesn’t have to be chaotic. Whether you want community (Frolo), safety (Even), or purposeful dating (Stir), there’s an app built for your reality.
Sure, balancing bedtime, homework, and dating isn’t simple. With the right tools, you can find someone who understands your world without an entry-level course on kids required.
So go ahead, pick a couple of these apps, set honest expectations, and let connections happen. You deserve love and sanity, preferably on the same swipe.
Your next chapter starts here. Happy matching and remember, your bedtime stories are sexy. 😏
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