- One in ten Britons thought they’d always be lower priority than the kids
- 14 per cent thought they might not get on with the children
One in four Britons who rule out dating a single parent says it’s because there would be a messy situation involving the ex-partner overshadowing any future relationship – while 14 per cent thought the other person wouldn’t have enough money.
New research has revealed why those who run a mile from single parents do so.
One in ten thought they’d always be lower priority than the kids, 14 per cent thought they might not get on with the children, and 8 per cent jumped to conclusions about the other person thinking a failed relationship showed a ‘poor track record’.
But singletons without children also somewhat cruelly thought a parent wouldn’t have as much disposable income with kids on the scene.
One in ten also thought they’d be wanted mainly to be a good replacement mother or father figure for the children.
However, the good news for separated parents is that despite their fears that others will be deterred from dating them, the majority of adults – six out of ten – would be willing to try a relationship despite the existing child situation.
The findings come in new research about stigmas involving single parents looking for love.
It revealed 63 per cent of all singletons looking for romance would now be open-minded about going out with a single parent, but there remains 16 per cent who flatly would not consider it.
By far the biggest fear for those steering clear is that the parent’s previous partner will cause complications, perhaps over the children and access or finances.
Another reason not to get embroiled with a single parent – given by 19 per cent – was a belief there would be too much emotional baggage, with one or other of the former couple still harbouring strong feelings or anger towards the other.
Another 15 per cent said they simply didn’t feel happy with taking on any parenting responsibilities for someone else’s biological children, the research for the single parent dating app Even found.
The survey also found the single parents themselves were fearful of hang-ups they might encounter from prospective partners.
One in ten admitted they’re often too scared to tell a date they have children.
Around one in six don’t disclose they have children before going on the first date but will then reveal it at the first meeting.
However, one in five admitted that, from past experience, the moment they spoke about their children they were ghosted.
However, among those single people who aren’t bothered about the other person being a parent, many regarded it as a plus because it would show alignment with their own ambition to live in a happy family.
Nearly one in four singletons with no children also said a parent could well be more reliable, selfless and independent than a non-parent.
Marion Graff, of the Meetic Group of dating services, said: ‘Some people are still stuck with stigmas over single parents. To help weed out those not ready for a relationship with a single parent, I’d advise putting that you have kids in your profile.
‘Equally, if you don’t have any children yourself, but are open to them, let people know.
‘By disclosing it from the get-go you can avoid tricky conversations and unkind behaviour, such as ghosting.’
The Even app even allows separated parents to include their custody arrangements and lifestyle factors in their profile.