(Photo by Jacob Lund on Shutterstock)

NEW YORK — In what might surprise those still clinging to outdated family stereotypes, most single parents are not just surviving — they’re thriving. According to a new survey, about two-thirds of single parents experience what they call a post-breakup “glow up,” while an impressive 82% believe their best days haven’t even happened yet.

Conducted by Talker Research, the survey of 1,000 single mothers and 1,000 single fathers uncovered something many parents hadn’t expected: the end of a relationship can trigger remarkable personal growth.

What are the clear signs of a post-relationship transformation? For 57% of single parents, newfound confidence in their identity topped the list. Another 52% said they feel better about themselves than ever before, while 51% described finally becoming comfortable in their own skin.

About 77% of single parents went through what researchers called a “grow up” – when their priorities shifted dramatically. This showed up as becoming more mature (57%), leaving old behavior patterns behind (51%), or finally letting go of grudges (49%).

Perhaps most telling: 70% of parents said their relationship with themselves actually got better after becoming single parents.

“This research shows single parents aren’t just adapting – they’re elevating,” said Rachel DeAlto, Chief Dating Expert at Stir, which funded the survey. “The combination of personal growth and increased self-awareness creates a magnetic attraction.”

Dating and Relationships: Better Than Before

More than half (54%) of single parents get approached more often by potential dates since becoming single parents, challenging the notion that having kids makes you less desirable.

What attracts people to single parents? Maturity tops the list (55%), followed by showing care and attention (54%) and responsibility (54%). Interestingly, these match exactly what single parents like most about themselves.

The journey to dating again takes time. The average single parent spends about 11 months rediscovering themselves before jumping back into romance. During this time, 42% learned how to be on their own, 39% focused on self-care, and 35% put their own needs first.

Nearly half (49%) of single parents think they’re more dateable now than before they had kids. They credit this mainly to greater confidence (45%), better mental health (43%), and improved emotional wellbeing (42%). Men specifically pointed to physical health improvements, with a third saying they’re in better shape now.

Life Beyond Romance: The Whole Picture

The changes go beyond dating lives. After relationships end, 41% spent more time with friends and family. Gender differences appeared too. Dads were more likely than moms to hit the gym (35%) or pick up hobbies their ex-partners didn’t like (24%).

Moms focused more on self-care (41%) and trying new things like exotic foods or interesting classes (28%).

“We’re seeing single parents prioritize themselves in healthy, transformative ways,” DeAlto noted. “This isn’t selfish – it’s strategic self-investment that benefits both parent and child.”

The qualities single parents value in potential partners reflect their real-world parenting experiences. Beyond maturity, care, and responsibility, confidence ranked fourth (51%), followed by patience (48%).

Self-sufficiency also scored highly (42%), with comfort in one’s sexuality (33%) and emotional vulnerability (23%) completing the list. Having managed childcare alone, single parents value partners who show reliability, emotional intelligence, and stability.

By necessity, single parents develop skills they might never have learned otherwise. Financial independence, decisive action, and emotional resilience become sources of pride. These achievements contribute to the “glow up” many described.

While the survey found some differences in how single mothers and fathers handle their new circumstances, both groups reported major personal growth, more dating interest from others, and optimism about the future.