10 Ways for Single Parents to Meet New People

When you're a single parent, it can be hard to find people who have the same life experience as you do. But that doesn't mean you can't meet new people and develop new friendships—or even turn those friendships into romances! Here are ten ways to meet other single parents in your area.

Get out there

It's as simple as that. A better question is: Where should I go? Join a community group, get involved in your child's school, or sign up for a team sport. It'll not only help you meet new people but also allow you to bond with your child and become more active together. Plus, let's be honest—the gym is always fun. If working out doesn't jive with your lifestyle but being social does, find a support group in your area (there are plenty of options!) or join an online Insecure Writers Support Group. Where you can talk about parenting issues and craft questions—and maybe make some friends along the way!

Not all relationships are romantic.

We're all looking for love, sure, but it's not like there are only two types of relationships. Start by making friends with other single parents in your neighborhood or at work. If you don't have any kids yet, try taking up activities with a more informal structure (think pickup basketball games versus dance classes), which give you more opportunity to meet new people without having to commit to a series of classes or events.

Set a schedule

Set a regular schedule and stick to it, even on weekends and holidays. You want to put yourself in a routine that makes it easy for you to focus and write regularly without any barriers or distractions. #4 - Wake up early: Studies have shown that morning people are generally more successful than evening people. The point is to get up early and find time each day where you can be alone with your thoughts and won't be interrupted by phone calls or e-mails, or social media notifications.

Attending events with friends, even if you don't want to,

can be a great way to meet new people since you'll be more willing to mingle if you know friends are waiting for you. If your friends are cool with it, try attending an event or two before flying solo.

Don't just rely on dating apps.

Although these apps have made it easier to meet new people, they're not necessarily great options if you're looking for a single parent. Unless you're specifically looking to date another single parent, it can be difficult and stressful trying to find your type of person on a platform that seems designed primarily

for hookups. That's why many dating experts recommend incorporating real-life activities into your search. Whether you join a sports league or sign up for classes at your local community college, knowing other singles in your area is always a good place to start when looking for love as a single parent.

Find your community

Whether you're a social butterfly or more of an introvert, now is a great time to expand your circle and meet new people. A great way to do that is by meeting up with your neighbors. Many cities have organizations where you can volunteer or sit on a board with other parents in your area. Not only will it help expand your support network, but it will also give you opportunities to get out of the house and into some fun activities.

Have a date night at home

If you have children at home, it's common for your social life to revolve around them. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get out and meet new people, though. It just means that if you aren't going out with friends, then a date night at home is a great way to learn about each other again—just like in college! And don't worry about what your kids think; they will be thrilled that you are making time for each other. You can even make it a weekly tradition, so everyone knows when date night is happening. And hey, if things go well on one of these nights. Maybe there will be another first date and another and another!

Head out early and stay late (or vice versa)

If you're a single parent, you have a built-in, free babysitter: Yourself. While other people are trying to get their kids home at 7 or 8 p.m., you can usually hang out at work until 5 or 6 p.m., giving yourself enough time to eat dinner and relax before your little one gets home from school and daycare.

Have fun; it makes meeting people easier!

As a teenager, I am what I should and shouldn't do. But I always did one thing without fail: have fun. As long as I had fun with my friends, my parents couldn't complain too much. It's important to note that just because teenagers rebel doesn't mean they don't like their parents. They still love their parents, but they want to establish an identity of their own separate from them.

Join online dating sites/apps – yes, despite your fears!

As it turns out, there's nothing to fear when it comes to our kids finding love on an online dating site. A new study in Communication Research Reports shows that teenagers who meet their partners on social networking sites or mobile apps have happier and more stable relationships than those who meet offline. Parents should be thankful for technology; if we hadn't found each other online, your rebellious teenager would probably still be single!