Single Parents Searching for Love: Navigating School Runs, Sports Days & Romance
Single Parents searching for love is not for the feint hearted. I’m going to say it plainly: dating as a single parent is an extreme sport. I’ve been watching my friends with young kids trying to navigate this between Saturday morning sports sessions, and the never-ending cycle of school plays. Where exactly are they supposed to find time to meet someone who doesn’t just see them as ‘mum’ or ‘dad’? Let’s be real, even superheroes need a little romance.
The School Social Scene: Missed Opportunities & Misdemeanours
Every school year presents multiple networking opportunities disguised as responsible parenting. Parents’ Evenings, fetes, and school plays should be prime flirting zones. Yet somehow, we all end up talking about why little Jayden still doesn’t know his eight times table. By the time you’ve discussed the PTA drama and avoided eye contact with your ex’s new partner, the last thing on your mind is dropping a flirty ‘So, do you come here often?’
But let’s not dismiss the potential. That dad who always volunteers for the school disco? That mum who casually pulls out homemade jerk chicken for the international food day? Possibilities exist! Just be sure to vet properly—no one needs playground politics to become dating drama. Oh and if you’re going to date a governor or a PTA person know that there is no privacy.
Saturday Sports: Romance or Running Late?
Between football, dance classes, and drama rehearsals, Saturday mornings are a battlefield. You’re trying to find a clean tracksuit while wondering if you have time to grab a coffee before the 9 AM kickoff. And let’s not forget the unspoken hierarchy of sports parents: the ultra-enthusiastic ones who bring personalised water bottles, the ones who only show up for finals, and the ones who treat it as their weekly social event.
This could be a perfect dating pool, but let’s be honest: half of us look like we’ve been dragged out of bed. If you’re lucky enough to spot a potential love interest, maybe start with a ‘Hey, I see you survived last week’s match in the rain’ before jumping into anything serious. Or wake up 20 minutes earlier to dash some makeup on or iron whatever outfit you’re rocking.
The Academic Hustle: Tutoring & School Open Days
The school journey isn’t just about ferrying kids to and from classes—it’s also about making sure they’re thriving. Enter: tutoring. The Grammar school tutoring has gone ape with the V.A.T Labour Party inclusion but I rant / digress. Whether you’re debating Kumon vs. online resources, or trying to squeeze in an extra hour of reading after work, the academic hustle is real. And school open days? Whew. Nothing screams ‘eligible and responsible’ like a parent who asks intelligent questions about curriculum and pastoral care. Just don’t hog the floor. Let others speak please Karen.
If you do happen to lock eyes with a fellow single parent over a discussion about phonics schemes, go for it! But if you find yourself getting into a conversation about Ofsted ratings and league tables for longer than 10 minutes? Abort mission.
Holidays: The Real Test of Single Parenting & Dating
Holidays are a juggling act: do you book a group trip with the other school mums, attempt a solo adventure, or play holiday club roulette? Summer is peak ‘soft life’ time, but as a single parent, it’s also when you realise just how much energy your child actually has.
For dating, the best bet might be a well-earned grown-up getaway while the kids are with the other parent or grandparents. A cheeky city break? A solo wellness retreat? Because let’s face it, nothing says ‘romance killer’ like trying to flirt while simultaneously shouting, ‘No, you can’t have another ice cream!’
Online Dating & the ‘Never Put Your Kids on Your Profile’ Rule
I cannot stress this enough: do not, under any circumstances, put your kids on dating apps. No pictures. No mentions of ‘Proud parent of two adorable angels.’ Nada. Keep your children out of your swiping life. They didn’t sign up for this, and besides, a ‘Daddy’s Princess’ or ‘Mum of a King’ bio is a surefire way to ensure you get ignored or approached by weirdos.
Online dating in the UK has its own challenges, but there are great resources to make life easier. Apps like Hinge and even old-school Match.com can be useful, but don’t forget about events like speed dating or single parent meet-ups (yes, they exist!). And if all else fails, there’s always the tried and tested method of letting an auntie set you up with ‘someone nice from church’—just proceed with caution.
Final Thoughts: Love is Still on the Table
Yes, single parents searching for love is complex. It’s exhausting, hilarious, and sometimes downright frustrating. But it’s also worth it. Carve out time, be intentional, and above all, enjoy the process. Between school runs, packed lunches, and PTA drama, you deserve a little romance too.
Just maybe not at the next school play. No one looks sexy in plastic chairs and bad lighting.
© Chelsea Black ® 2025
