Say it early
Being open about having children saves time for everyone.
Your children are a big part of your life, and anyone you date will need to be happy with that. Mentioning them early means the people who get in touch already know, and anyone who isn't right for family life can move on without either of you wasting time. On The Single Parent Pond, it's something you have in common with other members, so there's nothing to feel awkward about.
Put it on your profile
A short, positive line is all you need.
You might say how many children you have, roughly how old they are, and whether they live with you full time or part time. You can also show it when you sign up, by choosing options such as kids full time, kids part time, young children, teenagers or grown children. That helps the right people find you.
- Keep it general. "Mum to two lively boys" or "Dad of a teenager who thinks I'm embarrassing" says plenty.
- Leave out names, schools and where you live. Those details can wait until you know someone well.
- Don't post photos of your children. A few good photos of you are all your profile needs.
Bringing it up in conversation
Treat it as a natural part of getting to know each other.
If it hasn't come up yet, a simple "I've got two kids, so my evenings are a bit limited, but I'd love to keep chatting" is honest and friendly. It also explains why you might reply after bedtime rather than straight away. If you're not sure how to start, our guide on how to start a conversation on a dating site has plenty of ideas.
Watch how they respond
Most people will take it in their stride, and many will be parents themselves. If someone seems put off, that's useful to know early. And if someone seems a little too interested in your children before you've met, slow down. Our guide on how to spot a fake dating profile explains what to look out for.