To think online dating is pointless for me?

[HipHipHippoo]

I've been single for just over two years now. My friend suggested tonight that I try online dating and said that I'm shutting myself away and will never meet anyone. However, I'm a lone parent to a 10, 5 and 2 year old and I have no family support or any wish to hire a babysitter (said friend can't babysit either) so therefore I think online dating is pointless as I couldn't actually physically meet anyone unless I had the DC with me - which obviously isn't going to happen.

Do you want to meet someone? If you do, you'd need to hire a babysitter so that you can go out. I assume from your OP that the DC's father never has them evenings or overnight?
If none of this is likely to change, then I'd agree it would be a waste of time. You couldn't meet or have privacy if you did hit it off with someone.

Well, yes, if you don't want to hire a babysitter then it will be difficult to get out and meet people. Unless it's a daytime coffee, when the children are at school/nursery. IF the youngest is at nursery. Then at least you could have a vetting process, and hire a babysitter to go out at night with the ones you really like! If you heart isn't in the whole thing though, then there is no point.

Im the same but with 4 kids. Will have to stay single forever as no child care and dont feel comfortable leaving them with strangers! no you cant meet men with your children, what was your plan when you joined the dating site?

Online dating is pointless for most people.

I haven't joined any dating site.

Yes, I'd like to meet someone but don't see how I could for quite some time. I'm not happy to leave my DC with strangers so my best bet is probably in 5 years time when my eldest can babysit!

@cupcakedrama, the kids will grow up and get to an age they can be left alone at some point (assuming no additional needs or wherever) so it’s not forever.
OP, yes I’d say if you don’t want to get a babysitter then online dating is pretty pointless. Personally I just don’t want to do online dating and I’m happily single. unless something organically develops with someone I’m quite ok to stay this way.
That said I’m pretty sure I’m what you’d call asexual anyway

My youngest is only 2 so will be on my 40s by that time, not sure I will bother at that point (not saying others shouldnt )

It depends. How high is your bar? DO you value and respect and identify your own agenda?

If you walk away the first second they go against what u r looking for, then there is a point to OLD id say.
It made me braver. I met somebody in real l8fe but i know it wouldmt have worked if it werent for Old first

God, don't write off your hopes for meeting someone, just because you'll be in your 40s.

There is life after 40!

OP, it might be tricky to schedule dates so that you never need a babysitter, but it's possible. If nothing else, maybe you'll feel more comfortable using a babysitter when your eldest is just a year or two older and can help keep an eye on things/report back to you.

Initial meetings are not neccessarily full dates but can just be coffee, fairly quick and nearby. Rather than hire a babysitter for the evening could a neighbour or friend help for a few hours and you return the favour?

"I don't want to leave my kids with strangers". Why don't you get to know some potential babysitters, then they won't be strangers?
A friend's sensible teenager (17/18), a kind neighbour, someone who already works in childcare during the day - at the nursery perhaps? It's always good to have support lined up in an emergency.
Assuming you can afford to pay a babysitter, start to get to know some. A friend who is also a single parent and you can take it in turns once in a while?