Online Dating Profiles for Single Parents

There are a couple schools of thought regarding online dating profiles for single parents. I’ll present both and let you decide which rings true for you and your situation.

Don’t Mention Your Children

Your online dating profile is about you, not your children. The only place you need to mention your children is in the stats area where you select “Have kids,” how many, and your custody arrangement.

After all, your potential match isn’t going to be dating your children – they’ll be dating YOU. You are more than a mother or father. Think about what makes you unique and cool that has nothing to do with your children. Eventually they’ll be grown and out of the house and you’ll have to relate to your spouse on other levels.

Another thing to consider is that there are sexual predators on online dating sites. Unless you’re using one of the few services out there that provides background checks, you don’t know whether these people are interested in you or your children. If you include details about your children or pictures of them in your dating profile, you’re exposing them as potential “dates” for a predator. Scary, but true.

Mention Your Children

You’re a parent! Once you had a child, your life changed and you’re not the same person you were before. Of course this is going to be reflected in your dating profile!

I still recommend not posting photos with your children. It’s fine and dandy on your Facebook where your friends and relatives can see them, but it’s just not safe to put them up in a public forum where anyone can check them out.

Beware of falling into the “angry mama bear” attitude. I come across many single mother profiles that are just plain nasty and spiteful. “My kids come first, and if you don’t get that, you’d better move on!” Newsflash: This is driving away the good guys too.

Feel free to write about the things you enjoy doing with your children. Do you love the zoo? The dog park? Going to the children’s theatre? These things work especially well if you’re trying to attract another single parent. Give them an idea of the things you and your children could do together one day!

Which method do you think would work best for you? If you’ve tried one and not the other, switch it up and see if you get better results!