Dad Shares Top 3 Tips for Dating as a Single Parent: 'Go Slow'

Dating advice abounds online—but it's usually geared toward young, childless adults. However, one man is hoping to change that.

A video posted to TikTok by Glenn Wilson (@advocateofhope) has raised awareness around the challenges of dating as a single—especially newly single—parent. In the video, Wilson, 52, offered advice for single parents like him who are navigating the dating scene while also raising kids. He spoke to Newsweek about how he came to the advice and what he hopes for single parents as they put themselves out in the world for love again.

Wilson said that the advice he offered was rooted in personal experience.

"After my 17-year marriage ended, and I became the primary carer for my two children, it took me a long time to heal and readjust," he said. "Then there was the time I needed to regain my confidence. All in all, it was about 18 months before I decided to try dating again, with lots of reading and taking advice beforehand."

There was some math to Wilson's recovery time. He noted the "rule of thumb" that for every year of marriage, it takes about one month to heal. He began making TikToks to "try and bring a little hope back" to single parents—thus his handle, @advocateofhope.

"I wanted my page to be a harbor of positivity and advocacy, especially for those who feel voiceless or left on the side," he said.

What are the tips?

Wilson's tips are succinct, but encapsulate common concerns and pitfalls associated with single parent dating:

1. Go slow: "Remember, jumping in too fast is easy when you miss having someone around," Wilson said in the video. "It's really important, though, to see people for who they are—not just for the gaps they fill in our lives...Use your head as well as your heart."
2. Not around the kids: While parents may jump at the opportunity to introduce their children to new lovers, Wilson urged them to keep the worlds separate at first. "Not until you're sure," he said. "But when things do start to get a bit more serious, and you think it's time they meet, choose a relaxed, neutral spot where everyone can just hang out and be themselves...kids need to feel secure, and seeing their parent happy and at ease with someone new really does help them a lot."
3. Listen to your kids: "Most importantly, if your kids are hesitant about your new relationship, listen to them," Wilson said. Children's feelings matter, and as a top priority in any parent's life, Wilson advised daters that the point is "adding to your family's happiness, not dividing your attention."

The tips went over well with viewers, who commented sharing their own experiences and personal rules. Wilson said that above all, when dating, he is most resolute in one thing: "The most important thing for me was to be upfront from the start about my children," he said. "People should know I come as a package."