Research released today by dating expert Match has shown that nearly half (45 per cent) of single parents NEVER go on dates and over a third (35 per cent) admit they’ve not been on a date in the past year.
As a result, and to help single parents to get back into the dating game, Match will launch an innovative new offer this summer in partnership with online childcare platform Yoopies, giving away three hours of free babysitting to its new and existing single parent subscribers*. The new offer provides the perfect way for single parents to enjoy dating as the research found their average date lasted nearly three hours (163 minutes).
Although 45 per cent of single parents, when quizzed, said they would like to find a serious relationship, the fact that two thirds had not been on a date in over a year shows that they are being hampered in their efforts to find love. In fact, 65 per cent believe they’ve sacrificed their own love lives in order to protect their children.
One of the biggest barriers cited for not dating is access to childcare, with just under a third (30 per cent) saying they can’t date as they don’t have anyone to look after their kids. Grandparents also play a key role in singles not dating more – many parents rely on them for childcare but over a fifth (23 per cent) of singles stated they didn’t want to let on to their own parents that they are going on a date.
Match’s new and distinct offering will allow parents to browse the Yoopies platform, search hundreds of local professionals and contact them directly to arrange childcare. Booking and payment can also be done online through the site, making it the perfect match for single parents.
Aside from childcare, over a third (36 per cent) of single parents who never go on dates say they do not feel confident enough to date, while 28 per cent are deterred from dating because they don’t know where to find love. Other reasons for not dating included a quarter (25 per cent) saying they don’t have enough time, and nearly the same number saying it was stressful (24 per cent).
Single parents also battle with their conscience when dating. Just under a quarter (24 per cent) admit to feeling guilty that they’re not at home with the kids, and nearly a third (32 per cent) state that they find it difficult to get the balance between what’s right for their children and what’s right for them. When it comes to finding romance, 41 per cent would prefer to date another single parent as they are familiar with the challenges.
Whilst dating can be a minefield for most, nearly half (45 per cent) of single parents say they are keen to settle down in a serious relationship. Honesty (71 per cent) and a sense of humour (48 per cent) were the most desired qualities in potential partner, while sexual chemistry (27 per cent) rounded off the top five.
When it comes to getting physical, half of single parents claim sex is an important part of a relationship. While 29 per cent say they have a high sex drive, over a fifth (22 per cent) say they rarely have sex for fear of being interrupted by their child, while 39 per cent admit to feeling less confident about having since sex since becoming a single parent.
Match’s dating expert, Vicki Pavitt, comments, ‘’We understand there are so many things for single parents to juggle, especially when it comes to dating. It’s not just popping out to grab a quick bite, but booking the babysitter, organising the taxi so you’re not late back and also arranging the follow ups – it’s a military operation. So with this new offering from Match at least there is one less thing to worry about. Not only that, but for those 36 per cent of singles who say they lack confidence, Match offer events and coaching sessions to help get singles back on their dating game and make it fun again.’’
Abbie Oguntade, VP UK and Northern Europe for Match says, “ “At Match we’re continually looking for new ways to help our members throughout their dating journey. We know our single parent members have a lot on their plate and finding love can be a bit of a minefield without having the added pressure of organising childcare. Hopefully our partnership with Yoopies will mean that this will help take one of the stresses away, so single parents can concentrate on finding their match.
Benjamin Suchar, CEO, Yoopies, says: “Finding the right childcare when you go out on a date is a real challenge, especially if you're a single parent. We're therefore really excited about our new partnership with Match and hope that it helps its new members enjoy their first date without the worry of babysitting costs."
Cherry chats with single parents
