Just because you're a single mom, it doesn't mean that you can't date – there are tons of dating tips for a single mom out there, you've just got to find the ones that work for you! Dating tips for single parents are hard to relate to sometimes, especially if your kids are a bit on the younger side and take a lot of your time and dedication, but you need time for yourself too. If you're thinking about dating and haven't taken the leap yet, take a look at my dating tips for a single mom below!
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1. Don't Introduce a Man to the Kids until It's Serious
While most dating tips for a single mom always start out with knowing when you are ready, I think that the most important thing that you need to consider is the kids. Just because you are with someone for a couple weeks, that doesn't mean your kid has to meet them. Children get attached quickly and if you think that it might not work out, don't introduce them, wait until it is serious.
2. Put Your Kids First
Even though you, as a mom, need time for yourself, you still have to put your kids first too. You don't ever want them to feel like your new boyfriend is more important than them or that you are slipping away as their mom. That doesn't mean that you can't date, but just remember, you're a mom first!
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3. Know when You Are Ready
Now, always know when you are ready to start dating. Just because you are single doesn't mean you immediately have to start dating. You can take your time, find someone that really clicks with you. You don't have to just jump into a relationship right after you break up with the father of your children.
4. Don't Rush Dating Right Away
See? Rushing into dating is a huge mistake and can actually lead to you getting hurt more than you fulfilling your need to not be lonely. Rushing into a relationship can also just cause more heartache for your kids, especially if you introduce your new guy to them. Just keep it light and know when it is right for you!
5. Be Upfront
Being super upfront not just with your kids, but also with the guy that you are dating is very important, ladies. You don't ever want to hide the fact that you have kids or hide the fact that you are a mom. Why? If the guy can't accept you for you and who you are, why would you want to be with him?
6. Don't Drag past Baggage in
I think that this is the biggest fear for a man that is dating a single mom. He is scared that he is constantly going to be compared to the kid's dad and that he is constantly going to have to live up to that type of relationship. Let him know that isn't the case! You can't drag your past relationships into your current relationship.
7. Tell Him about Your Kids
This goes hand-in-hand with #5. You don't just want to be upfront, you also want to talk about your kids. That doesn't have to be your sole topic of conversation, but at least talk about their ages, their behaviors and their unique personalities. If he is going to be long-term, he's got to know these things!
8. Know He Might Not Be Cut out to Be a Dad
Finally, you've got to realize that not every single man out there is cut out to be a dad. You will need someone that supports you as a mom, so you need to find someone that is willing to accept your kids. Trust me, this is a big one!
So all you single moms out there, what other dating tips do you have? Any others to share? Remember, it all boils down to your comfort level!
Comments
Erin: I am a single mother and had been divorced almost four years. I never thought I wanted to date again. I was happy being just me and my daughter. Then out of the blue a man who had known me and my daughter for years asked me out. I didn't have to explain anything to him...he already knew my situation. My daughter already knew him and liked him before we ever went out. Now we are dating and in addition to he and I going on dates he will make dates for the three of us as well.
Cordelia: Imvsingle and definitly hve tried to strt bck datin no luck yt .I thnk men dnt wnt to b in a relationship most of the tme because I'm a single mom
Amy: I've been divorced 5 years. It's just dawned on me through talking to an ex-boyfriend that the three beautiful children I have are the likely reason that I'm forever single. It is infuriating me. So unfair!!
Lola: I think the only difference while dating as a Mom is that your requirements change. My children are also my number one priority, and the type of Man I would've gone for prior to becoming a mother has Definately change, because if my kids. I won't take any risks, and I have only introduced one guy I have dated to them since splitting with their father 6 years ago...I still have faith in love...and a lot more patience, which is a good thing I think
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