Dating a single dad can be a challenge. It can be a wonderful experience, but you have to act responsibly and take into consideration certain things. A single dad is not a carefree man. He has to provide for his kids, he has to be there for them when they need him and that’s why dating a single dad is not a piece of cake. On the other hand, a single dad can be one of the best kind of man out there since he has shown a lot of qualities, like love for his children, commitment and responsibility. Here are 7 rules for dating a single dad to consider:
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1. Don’t Get Involved with the Kids Unless You Are Really Serious
One of the most important rules for dating a single dad you should keep in mind is to not get involved with the kids unless you are really serious about the relationship. It’s not easy for the kids to accommodate to all of their dad’s girlfriends. If things between you and Dad don’t work out, the kids will get hurt too. Make sure you get involved with them only if you two have a serious relationship and you plan on getting married.
2. Don’t Ignore the Other Parent
Even if you don’t like them and even if they’ve hurt their own children, try not to ignore the other parent and don’t badmouth them in front of their kids. Be kind to them and don’t let those feelings interfere with your happiness or affect your relationship with the man you love. Acknowledge and be nice with that other parent in front of their children.
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3. Be Kind to the Kids
Always be kind to his kids! This is one of the most important things you should do if you want to become their stepmom. Try to put his kids first but try not to neglect your relationship at the same time. If you do this, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the role of stepmom and his kids will love you too.
4. Respect His Need to Talk to His Ex
You need to respect your boyfriend’s need to talk to his ex when they have kids together. They will always have this bond, so he needs to keep the communication open for the sake of his kids. Try to avoid being jealous or resentful of the time he spends talking to his ex.
5. You’re Dating the Whole Family
If you are dating a single dad, try to always remember that you are dating his whole family, so as I’ve said before, get involved with his kids only if you are really serious. His kids do come first and you need to let go of your selfish needs sometimes. Try to enjoy the time you spend together and work on improving the intimacy in your relationship.
6. Listen
Be a good listener and be there for him when he needs to vent about child support, visitations, fights with his ex, worries concerning his kids or any other things that might make him feel overwhelmed. Be supportive, show him that you really care about his and his kids’ well-being and encourage him.
7. Have Fun Together!
Enjoy the fact that you are not his kids’ biological mother because you can be a little different! Have fun together and you’ll soon become their best friend. Kids can be a lot of fun, so show them that you really love them and that they can talk to you about anything, since you are more like their friends.
Dating a single dad can be a bit challenging sometimes, but it can be a lot of fun too. Have you ever dated a single dad? Do you know any other rules for dating a single dad? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
Sources:
askapril.com
thestir.cafemom.com
Comments
melody: That's my question to the article .
Minnie: It is MENTALLY DRAINING and a lot of DRAMA, which I choose not have in my life anymore.
Josey: Eventhough I haven't gone through this before it sounds like a hard thing to do.
Kapria: I was dating a single dad of two and the hardest thing was to accept the fact that his kids will always come first. Granted, I got that, but I agree with Jenna saying you shouldn't date a a single parent while the kids are practically babies. You'll never get all of his attention because once you become a parent, its all about the child now.
Shantalle: I'm dating a dad with a 6 year old daughter, it's extremely hard to stay with him when is ex is psycho, she uses the daughter to get her way and even teaches her daughter to say mean things about me and tells her she can't like me. Dating a dad isn't for the weak, I'll tell you that much.
melody: The kids . Will they like you or not ?
Heather: I agree with Minnie! Determine beforehand if the ex wife is psycho. That makes things a billion times harder. I'm a therapist and even I can't deal with the insanity at times!
See: It's hard when the child can do no wrong in the fathers eyes. I love my boyfriend's daughter but it's so frustrating when he doesn't think his daughter coughs up an attitude and doesn't listen when he's not around. His daughter changes into an angel when he's in the room.
April: I am tired of being cancelled on, and it has only been a month. the problem is that he is an excellent person and dad. How do I be patient when it seems so frustrating?
Lexy: I've been talking to a single dad and dated one (horrible break up). But it's really hard to do it when they are a new dad. I would strongly say don't date a new dad. He needs to build a bond with his child before a new woman.
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