How long it takes for single parents to fall in love again

Entering the dating pool again after a divorce is tough, but doing so as a newly single parent adds new layers of complexity and emotions to the endeavour.

There have been a number of high-profile breakups throughout 2024, which means some celebrities with children are in the middle of navigating the dating pool or may be thinking about doing so in the future.

Most recently, former Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury announced they were separating after five years together. The pair got engaged last July, six months after they welcomed their first child together.

In a shock announcement last week, Hague wrote in a statement that she "never imagined our story would end, especially not this way". Fury released a separate statement saying he was "heartbroken" over their decision, but that their daughter Bambi was their "priority".

In his first post on Instagram since the announcement, Fury said the last few weeks "have been heartbreaking".

While it’s unlikely that either Hague or Fury are thinking about dating again, new research reveals exactly when the newly single parents might be looking for love again.

According to Even, the dating app for single parents, it takes the average parent who has experienced a breakup 13 months to fall in love again after going through heartbreak.

The research reveals that many single parents feel pessimistic about their chances of finding a new partner, with 63% thinking they will "never find love again" and one in six (15%) feeling they have more of a chance of winning the lottery than finding ‘the one’.

However, they have reason to be optimistic as 64% of those surveyed have gone on to find a new partner and 54% said they found love again since their last heartbreak.

The app’s survey of 600 UK parents also found that single parents feel like they won’t get lucky in love again for about seven months after their breakup. However, after this period of time, their mindsets tend to shift and the hope they may find love again is recovered.

Among the top reasons for why people thought they wouldn’t find love again are losing confidence in themselves (59%) and the fear of getting their heart broken again (53%).

About a fifth (21%) said they were unsure at the prospect of dating again, while 51% said their children are the priority over their love life. Nearly a third said they didn’t have the time (30%) or the energy (31%) to go on dates.

In addition, 40% said they were worried about how their children would react to having a new person in their life, fearing the possibility of friction between a new partner and their child.

However, those who were able to shift their mindset about this area said they received support from family and friends (27%) to help them feel hopeful again. A further 16% attributed their change in view to taking steps to lead a healthier lifestyle, including eating well and exercising (16%).

Meanwhile, 14% said their children supported them in getting back on the dating scene, and 51% said their child has been supportive of their dating journey.

The study was commissioned by Even in partnership with ITV’s My Mum, Your Dad stars Janey Smith and Roger Hawes, who appeared on the show and fell in love during filming in 2023. The reality dating series returns this September with a new cast of single parents hoping to get a second chance at love.

Smith said: "After a couple of break ups and heartbreak, I thought that was it for me. I’d pretty much given up hope that I would never find love or trust again. My confidence was at an all-time low and I convinced myself that I didn’t have the time to date.

"But after my son gave me a much-needed pep-talk, I was able to find the courage to get back into the dating world. I created a profile on dating app Even, which gave me the confidence to apply for the show with my son. That’s when I met Roger, and as they say, the rest is history!"

How to start dating again as a single parent

Smith and Hawes provide six tips they’ve picked up on their journey to help other single parents build their confidence and get back into the dating world; and how to get your kids involved as well.

Face your fears

Courage often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s reaching out to an old flame, getting back on the dating apps, or taking a chance on a new relationship. Pushing yourself beyond your usual limits can lead to exciting and unexpected outcomes. Remember, if you don’t try, you don’t get!

Take the plunge and download dating apps

Dating apps can be intimidating, but sometimes the best outcomes come from facing your fears. Try a dating app designed for single parents like Even, where you can meaningfully connect with other mums and dads. Be patient with the process and enjoy matching and engaging in conversation with new people. Remember, every new connection is a step toward finding someone special.

Communication is key

It can be easy to keep your cards close to your chest, but communication is so important in building and holding onto a healthy relationship. In the early days, keep communication constant. Regular chats, dates, and making plans together help build a strong foundation and reduce self-sabotage tendencies, like making excuses or developing irrational icks.

Create meaningful moments

Choose date activities that allow you to connect and get to know each other. You really don’t need to do anything too crazy. We love simple outings like dinners, drinks, or even walks, which are all perfect for quality time. The goal is to spend time together in ways that strengthen your bond without the pressure of extravagant plans.

Communicate with your children

As single parents, it’s so important to keep the lines of communication open with your kids. Make sure they’re comfortable and happy with any new developments in your relationship. Honesty and transparency can help them adjust to changes more easily.

Plan family activities

It’s important to create opportunities where kids can naturally connect, like casual family gatherings or spontaneous outings. The goal is to let these bonds develop organically, without any pressure, so that everyone feels comfortable and at ease. We like to organise easy, low-pressure outings that involve everyone, like family dinners or day trips.

Read more about sex and relationships:

• The challenges of getting back with an ex, as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck split (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• Is a cheater ‘always a cheater?’ Love experts weigh in (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• Psychologists say this 'cheaper than therapy’ hack can stop rows from escalating (Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read)