Single parents say ‘I love you’ to new partners before introducing them to kids – as expert offers tips on first meeting

SINGLE parents tell their new partners they love them before introducing them to their children.

A poll of 800 mums and dads with children under 18 found this is a month longer than they wait to say ‘I love you’ to their potential other half.

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"Other milestones couples would usually achieve before kids are introduced to a new flame include becoming exclusive (39 per cent), meeting each other’s friends (31 per cent) and other family members (29 per cent).

"While a third said meeting a prospective partner’s children is more important than meeting their parents.

"It’s also a bigger relationship milestone than the likes of going on a first holiday together (42 per cent) and celebrating a one-year anniversary (36 per cent).

"Sarah Louise Ryan, dating and relationship expert for Even, a dating app for single parents, which commissioned the study said: “We encourage single parents to approach dating with a sense of knowing their priorities so they can have clarity, honesty and enjoyment throughout their dating journey.

“We understand that individuals are so much more than just a parent, and we don’t want anyone to feel as if they have to hide the fact that they have children.

“Single parents should embrace their whole-selves in dating.

“Even aims to create a welcoming and accepting space, so when it comes to meeting a potential partner’s kids, it’s a smooth interaction for everyone involved.”

The research also found getting on with their children is the number one quality parents look for in a romantic partner (60 per cent), above a sense of humour (60 per cent) and loyalty (59 per cent.)

Exactly half also want someone who understands that the kids come first and respects the dedicated days they have with them (19 per cent).

On average, single parents date four prospective partners before finding someone they want to introduce to their children, going on at least 10 dates with the same person before setting up a meet.

When dating someone new, the topic of kids comes up before talking about hobbies and interests (53 per cent) and their job (52 per cent).

Those polled, via OnePoll.com, also disclosed the red flags they watch out for on a first meeting, including discussing their ex (62 per cent) and being asked to prioritise a date over their children (53 per cent).

But 27 per cent have even experienced a love interest asking whether they can meet their children after only one date.

It also emerged a quarter of those polled would prefer to date someone who has children of their own, due to the fact they’ll be more family orientated (68 per cent) and have a better understanding of their lifestyle (66 per cent).

Despite this, 65 per cent are willing to meet someone who isn’t a parent themselves, with 56 per cent of them admitting they are more open about this than five years ago.

However, 12 per cent admitted they have avoided mentioning their kids on a date for fear they might lose interest (37 per cent) and because they simply didn’t feel ready to discuss it (34 per cent).

One single parent juggling the demands of raising a child while dating is Holly Smith, 32, from Cambridge, she said: “As a single parent, my child’s needs will always come first and any potential partner must understand the priority I place on their wellbeing.

“Honesty is key in any relationship, but especially when it comes to blending parenthood and dating.

“Since dating as a parent, I have been upfront about my commitments as a mum, which allows for mutual understanding from the get-go.

“My child learns by example, so I want them to see it’s possible to pursue happiness and fulfilment in all aspects of my life by fostering meaningful relationships.”