5 Best Dating Apps for Single Parents, According to Relationship Experts

Launched by the Match Group in 2022, Stir is made just for single parents—so there’s no need to explain your schedule, priorities, or why time is limited. “There’s no stigma about having little kiddies in your life on Stir,” says Dr. Walsh. “Everyone on the app is a parent, so they get it.”

The single-parent dating app includes thoughtful prompts about co-parenting styles, weekend routines, and lifestyle preferences to help you find someone who understands your day-to-day. You’ll see questions about when (or if) you’d introduce a potential partner to your kids, whether you want more children, and lighter ones like “Sunday morning, you’re…” The dating pool is smaller than on apps like Bumble or eHarmony, but users tend to be more aligned with your needs, goals, and expectations—both as a partner and a parent. There’s also a highly useful feature, Stir Time, which lets members show matches when they have blocks of free time in their calendars, so that coordinating dating is easier.

With a free Stir account, you can browse in private and see who’s liked you before choosing to match—features that may especially appeal to those dating with a little extra caution.

• Best for: Parents looking for partners who understand co-parenting and family life
• Free version available: Yes
• Cost: Standard plans start at $39.99/month or $16.99/month with a yearlong plan. Premium plans with extra features start at $19.99/week or $17.99/month annually.
• Availability: Stir.com, App Store, Google Play

For single parents who are serious about finding love in the form of a long-term partner, eharmony offers a structured, intentional approach to dating. Its 70-question compatibility questionnaire covers everything from values and parenting priorities to day-to-day habits—helping you connect with someone who fits your life, not just your photos. The setup takes time, but that investment can pay off. “People who take the time to fill out all those surveys are serious about finding a mate,” says Dr. Walsh. With millions of active users and a data-backed matching algorithm, eharmony aims to reduce mismatched expectations and make meaningful connections more accessible—something busy parents can definitely appreciate.