Lone Parents - is dating just impossible?

[CallMeNutribullet]

Hi all, just wondering for those of you with sole custody of kids, how do you date?

I'm 40 with DD 8. Been pretty much single sing since DDs dad left me when I was pregnant. He's always seen her but has become increasingly abusive to me and now can't have any direct contact with me. As a result he's losing interest in seeing DD and has become erratic.

His current excuse is he can't see her because he's "in a bad place".

DD would like me to meet someone and has said as much. I'm sick of always being alone but I really don't have a consistent support network who would babysit even a couple of times per month. I also can't afford to pay a babysitters every week.

So I guess my question is, do I just give up and accept I can't date until she's old enough to look after herself for a few hours?

Anyone?

Sorry I'm In the same boat but my kids are a lot younger than yours. I definitely don't have free time but your daughter is a lot older now, could she go to a hobby on her own (art/dance) and you arrange a date while that's on?

Have you downloaded dating apps? There's lots of single parents who will understand your predicament

When covid isn't such an issue she will be able to have sleepovers with friends, that's what I did when I was dating. I also invited dates (once they were more established) over in the evenings after DS was in bed, for the evening not to sleep over.

Thanks both. I guess it's a matter of meeting someone really understanding. I'm pretty independent and have chosen to stay single for years but I guess I don't really want to go through life alone.

I don’t know. I’m the same 40, and My DD is 8 and her dad has her every now and then, but it takes a lot of pre planning and organising. I tend to then use that time to see friends that I haven’t been able to, so I don’t feel like I want to waste that time on men that don’t mean anything to me. And it just feels like too hard work to try and juggle lone parenting with dating. I’m sure others do, but it feels like too much on top of working, parenting, maintaining existing important friendships etc. I’ve half given up on the notion of dating until she is older, but I feel ok with that.

Yes everything is possible 😇

I was single with 2 young children (10 and 4 year olds),I met a man ...I must admit he is 21years older than me (I am 30,he is 51),I am currently 33 weeks pregnant with his baby and things are going very well 🥰❤️