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On the eve of Mothers’ Day, Australia’s single mothers have spoken out about the challenges they face in looking for love when time is scarce and children are a major consideration.
A survey of single mothers who are members of Australia’s biggest online dating site, RSVP.com.au, has found that a “lack of time” is their greatest challenge in finding Mr Right (37%), followed by worries about introducing their children to a new partner (26%).
Single mums are turning to online dating as a convenient and discrete way to find love, allowing them to search for and communicate with other singles from home at any hour. They are almost equally concerned about lacking dating confidence (40%) and the impact their dating will have on their children (37%). Over half also feel pressure to live up to a celebrity “yummy mummy” stereotype.
The vast majority of single mums on RSVP make it very clear on their profile that they have children (85%). Lija Jarvis, RSVP’s Customer Support Director believes this is by far the best approach. “We always encourage our members to be honest and open in their profiles and whether they have children is located very prominently at the top of profiles.
“Although 59% of respondents surveyed don’t mind if a prospective partner has children of their own, the popularity of our Single Parent’s Community, with 16,000 members, suggests they would like to meet someone who understands the challenges of sole parenthood.”
When it comes to introducing the children to a new man, 62% said they would only do so when they are sure the relationship is serious. However, when it came to having more children with a new partner, single mums are divided, with 46% saying they won’t have more children, 25% will have more children and 30% remain unsure.
Although single mums are determined to meet that special someone, their idea of the perfect Mother’s Day is being pampered and spoilt by their children (70%).
Source: RSVP.com.au