Dating advice

[CadburyDream]

I would like to maybe start dating again. I have been single for many years I feel a bit weird how long I've been single 😂 I am a lone parent that's with my children full time apart from school hours. How can I start dating and not fall into the trap of becoming someones fwb. No offence to anyone but that wouldn't work for me but I'm worried that's all it will be given I have so little free time. Babysitters aren't an option for certain reasons.

No one been in this situation 😬

It is possible, but I'm not sure I'd date a man in your situation.

I would think if you met someone organically like through work, volunteering, your kids, it could totally work as you could get to know each other without 'dating' but OLD wouldn't be easy.

How old are your children? It won't be too long until you can go out in the evening?

Won't be able to meet anyone irl unfortunately still a good few years before they can be left alone

Well, that means daytime meets only until you felt comfortable in them meeting your children?

Of course you can meet irl!
Just because your a lone parent doesn't mean you can't have a special someone in your life!
Start by getting a decent dating profile. Nice pictures, positive bio. Avoid the free sites - match.com is a good place to start.
Then you can have lunch dates when your children are at school or perhaps get a babysitter at the weekend.

Be honest about what you want and run a mile from anyone who shows any sign of not giving you that.
Don't rush introducing anyone to your children - the right person will understand!

Good luck 😬

I did a lot of video dates through match.com when kids are in bed ( you don’t need to give out your number). Then can do childcare swaps with friends to meet people in real life. Some men might be able to meet you for coffee when kids are at school. You’ll have to be creative.

Sorry I meant I can't meet men ir l i would need to use OLD

Childcare swaps aren't an option sadly

The problem is a boyfriend would need a fair of your time - I’d probably discontinue a relationship if I felt the other person didn’t have a decent amount of time to spend with me.

You're a bit cagey, OP. Why can't you do childcare swops or get a babysitter?
Why can't you meet men irl?
It just seems that anything anyone suggests, you shoot down.
I'd give up if I were you.

I don't get the chance to meet men as I'm always with my kids sorry thought that was obvious?

You can do lunch dates as others have suggested. The only problem with that, is that the relationship won't be able to progress naturally if you are completely unable to go out in the evenings. Doesn't your children's dad provide any childcare? No grandparents who can babysit?

Does one of your kids have special needs or something is that why?
then I’d say video dates to start with, coffee during daytime although you want to date men who are at work so that’s hard..
when you are serious with someone you could see if they could come over to yours when kids are asleep, maybe block off downstairs somehow so you can stay there without your kids seeing you and you’d go to them if they are awake.. not ideal and only if you really trust someone
hopefully you will wet someone worth the effort

Meet not wet

If you can't do even day dates then you need to wait until your children are older. They come first, don't put your needs above theirs. I say, keep yourself busy. Do you work? Can you do some online courses? If you're a single SAHM you will also attract low quality men, sorry to say

How will you have a relationship if you don't have time for dates?

Yes I can do day times dates. That’s what I’m worried about though that it won’t go anywhere

I can do day time dates sorry if that wasn’t clear I will have some free time whilst they are at school