Mixing Dating with Being a Single Parent

Mixing Dating with Being a Single Parent 

In today's world, many people find themselves facing the prospect of raising a child virtually on their own.  Whether it's through divorce, death or simply by choice, both men and women are becoming the sole parental influence in the lives of their children.

There is no denying that being a parent is an extremely fulfilling adventure, but there's certainly much more to life than ensuring your children grow up strong and healthy.  Many single parents are realizing that they want to get into the dating scene. It can be a bit of a struggle finding time for both the children and a new love interest, but it's important to remember that although your child's needs will probably always come first, you have needs as well.

Some tips to make dating a bit easier for the single parent include:

Be upfront with any prospective love interests.
It can be tempting when you meet someone new to forego explaining the fact that you have children and that you are the sole influence in their lives.  Many people, particularly women, feel that if they share that information too early in the relationship, they'll intimidate the man and he'll mistake her honesty with her desire to have a "daddy figure" for her children.  This may be the case with some people, but it's much better to find out his or her feelings on your children well before the relationship takes a turn into serious territory.

Be honest with your children.
If your children are a product of divorce, it can be incredibly difficult for them to understand why you would be interested in another person. They may harbor secret wishes that you and your ex will reunite.  It's important to be honest with your children when it comes to any new relationship. Explain that you've met someone special and you hope that eventually they'll be excited to meet them as well.

Be respectful of your child's space.
Bringing someone home to spend the night before they've had a chance to spend time with your child can create an awkward situation for everyone involved.  Plan a picnic or buy some tickets to the circus or a ballgame so your new partner can spend some time with both you and your child together. Ensure that it's a relaxed atmosphere and encourage them to spend time talking with each other.

Don't be blinded by love.
Keep your wits about you when you meet someone new. This is especially important for a single parent. You don't want to expose your child to anyone dangerous or unstable.  Make certain that you learn as much as you possibly can about the person you are interested in before including them in the life of your child.

Although dating can be a bit more challenging for the single parent, there's no reason why you can't meet someone special to spend time with.

The most important thing to remember is to be respectful of everyone involved. Introducing a new man or woman to your child will take some adjustment for all of you.