Carving out some free time when you’re a single parent can be difficult. It’s especially difficult trying to find time to go on a date because you’ve got to look for a sitter, work and a slew of other things that demand your attention.
Your schedule may be packed, but it doesn’t mean you should forego your happiness and romance. In fact, dating as a single parent is incredibly important because it helps relieve stress that usually comes along with raising a child(ren) on your own. If you are lucky enough to find a partner to provide you with something else to occupy your free time, you’ll find that your quality of life will improve and you won’t be so high strung.
With that said, single parents may find that it is easier to date other single parents because you both understand how precious your free time is. You’ll be able to plan quick and fun dates that are kid-free and you’ll be able to make the most of your short time together.
Lunch Dates
While it isn’t a romantic candlelit dinner, a lunch date is still a nice way to share a meal together without the kids. If you’re a working professional, sometimes your lunch break is the only opportunity that you can break away and spend time with someone. These quick hour long lunch dates are a great way to get to know someone. If there is no chemistry there, you can always use the excuse of having to get to work to get out of there.
Date While Running
Perhaps you have an hour or so between the kids going off to school and you having to leave for work. You may use this time to get your morning run in, and if you are interested in someone who enjoys running, you can plan a running date. You’d be surprised to learn how clear your mind is and how relaxed you become while you’re jogging, thus making the date low-key and stress-free.
The Errand Test
Life as a single parent is full of errand runs—either you have to go to the office supply store to pick up items for a class project or you have to run to the mechanic to get an oil change. Now these errand dates may seem a little weird, however, think of it as a test to see if the person you’re interested in has the chops to liven up these otherwise boring chores.
Just imagine how much fun it could be going through a craft store picking up glue and glitter for your kids project, but instead you challenge your date to a scavenger hunt to see who can come up with the best items to help your kid make a solar system that would be the envy of the class. Or maybe you have to go to the mall for something special for your child’s birthday. You can get their input for something if you’re drawing a blank. This is especially helpful if you have a child of the opposite sex as you and of a precocious age. Their input could prove invaluable.