At The Matchmaker UK, we understand that love doesn’t always follow a neat or predictable path. Life happens—relationships end, priorities shift, families evolve. For many people, that means raising children on their own and, at some point, wondering whether it’s okay to start dating again.
The short answer? Absolutely.
For single parents, the thought of dating often brings up a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Some feel guilt, wondering if focusing on their own happiness is selfish. Others worry about how potential partners might respond to the fact that they have children. Many simply feel unsure where to begin.
We want you to know that dating as a parent is not only acceptable—it’s natural, healthy, and often transformative. You’re not alone in this, either. Single parents make up a large and growing part of the dating world. More people than ever are finding love after having children, and many are doing so with grace, strength, and success.
One of the biggest myths we hear is that having children will automatically make dating harder, or somehow disqualify you from finding a meaningful relationship. In reality, being a parent often enhances your appeal. You’ve experienced deep love, shown resilience through life’s challenges, and developed emotional depth—qualities that many people genuinely admire in a partner.
Still, it’s understandable to have questions. Dating when you have children does come with its own rhythms. Your time is precious, your priorities have shifted, and your heart is already deeply invested in someone else: your child. But that doesn’t mean there’s no space for someone new. It just means you’re approaching love with more clarity, care, and consideration.
What we’ve seen in our work with clients is that the most fulfilling relationships often come later in life—when people truly know who they are, what they want, and how to recognise a partner who brings out the best in them. This is especially true for single parents. Far from being a drawback, your lived experience brings a richness to your relationships that others are drawn to.
It’s also important to remember that your happiness matters. You are more than just a parent—you are a person with dreams, feelings, and a desire to connect. Creating space in your life for companionship, laughter, and even romance is not something to feel guilty about. In fact, building healthy, supportive adult relationships can benefit not only you, but your family as a whole. Children thrive when they see their parents happy and emotionally fulfilled. They learn what love and respect look like by watching you.
There’s no perfect moment to start dating again—just the one that feels right for you. Maybe you’ve been out of the dating world for a while. Perhaps you’ve had a few false starts or felt overwhelmed by the idea of trying again. That’s perfectly normal. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
At The Matchmaker UK, we offer personalised date coaching to support single parents on their journey back into the dating world. From helping you rediscover your confidence, to navigating the balance between parenting and romance, to simply learning how to enjoy dating again—we’re here every step of the way.
You don’t need to explain away your family situation. The right person won’t see your children as baggage—they’ll see them as part of the beautiful, full life you’ve built. You deserve a partner who respects that, embraces it, and wants to be part of your story moving forward.
So if you’re ready to open your heart again, know this: you are not alone, you are absolutely allowed, and your next chapter can be full of joy, connection, and lasting love. And if you’d like a little guidance along the way, we’d be honoured to help.