The Best Dating Apps for Single Parents

Ready to get back on the dating scene? Here are the apps to download.

By: Amanda Mushro

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Photo By: Luis Alvarez

Photo By: Stir

Photo By: eharmony

Photo By: Match

Photo By: EliteSingles

Photo By: Plenty of Fish

Photo By: Bumble

6 Dating Apps You'll Want to Try as a Single Parent

Dating looks different when you’re a single parent. While it would be great to meet someone at the gym, a PTA meeting, or when you’re out to dinner with friends, the truth is, with your busy schedule, finding time and kid coverage to go on a date — let alone finding some you actually want to date — can seem a bit daunting.

We’ve all heard the cringe-worthy stories of online dating, but there are also plenty of stories that give us all hope for new love — or just someone great to go out to dinner with. If you’re ready to dip your toe into the online dating world, but you’re not sure which apps to avoid, we’re sharing the dating apps that single parents say worked for them.

Stir

While there are plenty of apps that let you add "single parent" to your bio, Stir is the only app that is designed for single parents looking to date. Now, you never have to worry the conversation will quickly end when you mention that you’ve got kids. While you don’t have to be a parent to use Stir, the app is built with single parenting in mind — busy schedules and the chaos that comes with being a parent. Fans of this app say go ahead and pay for a subscription and skip the free version. You’ll get better features, fewer ads, and a better user experience.

GET THE APP

eharmony

This app has been around for a long time and there’s a good reason for it. Fans of eharmony say it’s the site that helps you become matched with people who are looking for committed relationships. Since their "about me" section allows you to really share who you are and what you are looking for, you’re less likely to be matched with someone who doesn't fit your vibe and your single parent lifestyle.

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Match

The site boasts the largest pool of daters online, which means you have more potential partners to choose from. Match also asks users to fill out detailed profiles — no skipping answers here. This way, you get a better understanding of who people really are before you head out on a first date. All of this info can really help you connect with someone who has the same interests and future plans that you do.

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EliteSingles

If you are over 30 and you’re looking for someone who’s a professional, has an impressive resume, and is ready for a serious relationship, check out EliteSingles. To start, you’ll fill out detailed surveys to share more about your lifestyle, your goals, and if you want to have more kids. The membership to this site can be pricey — but if you find love, it’s worth it right?

GET THE APP

Plenty of Fish

Ready to go on a few dates to figure out who you are and who you want to date? Then give Plenty of Fish a try. With over 70 million users, you’ll be setting up coffee, dinner, and dessert dates in no time.

GET THE APP

Bumble

What’s cool about Bumble is that women get to make the first move to chat with a prospective date. Here’s where it can be hard for a busy mom. The app requires women who have matched with men to send the first message. If you don't do so within 24 hours, the match disappears. You can lose matches if you don't check the app daily. Since you have a day to make the first move, you’ll have to make sure you are checking in with the app. However, Bumble offers a free version so you can get started with no real commitment to the dating app.

GET THE APP

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