To wonder if it’s even possible for a lone parent to find a partner?

[SluggySlug]

I’m a single mum and I’d really like to start dating again, but it honestly feels impossible.
I have my children 100% of the time and no support at all. I know people will say “just get a babysitter”, but they’re expensive, and even if I could afford one regularly, would a couple of hours a week really be enough to build a relationship? I would obviously have to factor in travelling to and from the date and it doesn’t feel like it would be enough time to find something meaningful?
It feels like there’d be no sleepovers, no weekends away, no spontaneous evenings together - just the odd couple of hours here and there. I also don’t want to introduce anyone to my children until it’s a serious, established relationship, so that’s not something I’m willing to compromise on though im sure thats how most in my situation manage.
Has anyone else been in this situation and actually managed to find a partner? If so, how did it work in practice? Or is it as difficult as it feels?

here for the follow.

I have been single since my daughter was pretty much born (6 years now) and I have her 100% of the time.

I do have a ‘friends with benefits’ who I see every couple of weeks, and that’s only because he can come in school hours (my daughter is at school)

i would like a relationship, I have gone on dates. But it always feels a bit pointless as i just don’t see how it would ever progress?

Yes, it is doable when the kids are a bit older. Build a good network of parent friends, have other kids over for playdates and sleepovers, genuine friends will be keen to help you out with childcare. Get a good babysitter who the kids like - this can take some trial and error. It takes time but you can find something.

Thanks I can totally see how a fwb would be possible but like you said I also want something meaningful!

Mine aren’t young but they are never out of the house at the same time. Oldest rarely meets up with anyone and prefers to be at home.

Bumping