Dating Tips & Advice

Getting back in the dating scene can definitely be difficult for single parents. After all, it’s probably been awhile since you went out on a date. Of course, dating as a single parent brings with it many challenges and pressures that you have to deal with as a parent. It can be difficult enough being a single parent and adding a relationship to the mix can definitely bring up some complications. However, while there are unique challenges ahead, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have enjoyable dates and find someone special again. To help you navigate this new territory, here are some helpful single parent dating tips that will make the entire process easier for you, your date, and your children.

Tip #1 – Never Lie About Being a Parent

While it can be tough to get dates as a single parent, it is important that you never lie about being a parent. When you are dating, you want to make sure that your date understands that you are first a parent. Don’t try hiding this. If you try to lie about being a single parent, eventually the truth is going to come out. Besides, anyone that is worth your time should be fine with the fact you’re a single parent. If they aren’t comfortable with this fact, then move on to someone else who can deal with the fact that your priorities are your children.

Tip #2 – Talk to Your Children

Another important tip to remember for single parent dating is to talk to your children. It isn’t a good idea to hide the fact that you are going out on a date from your children. They will probably find out anyway and it is better if they get the news from you. Talk to your kids and let them know you’re going out to enjoy some adult time with a good friend. At this point, this is all your kids need to know. Keep it simple. Talk to them, but don’t get into too many details at this stage in the game.

Tip #3 – Don’t Introduce Dates Right Away – Take it Slow

Although you may be tempted to introduce your date right away, it’s a better option to take it slow. Make sure you have spent a great deal of time with this person in your life before you introduce them to your kids. When you introduce them, it should only be for short periods of time. As things go on, you can include that special person in your family life more and more. However, it’s important that you are very careful when allowing your children to meet your date. Avoid going to quickly here. You don’t want them to get attached to your date only for you to break up within a few months. This can be hard on the emotions on your children. It’s best to avoid too much contact until you are sure that this person will probably become a permanent part of your life.

Tip #4 – Don’t Feel Guilty

Many single parents feel guilt when they begin dating again. Eliminate that guilt. There is no need to feel guilty. It’s totally normal to crave some time with other adults. Going out on dates doesn’t mean that you are being a bad parent or that you love your children any less. Going on a date is fine as long as it doesn’t get in the way of you caring for your children.

Tip #5 – Avoid Talking About Your Ex

When you are dating as a single parent, one important tip to remember is to avoid talking about your ex. This is totally unfair to the person that you are dating. Make sure you are over your ex before you begin dating again. As things get more serious, no doubt your ex will come up from time to time. Just avoid making your date feel uncomfortable by complaining about your ex for the entire date. Your date doesn’t deserve this.

Tip #6 – Be a Role Model in Your Relationship

As you are dating, make sure that you are a role model in your relationship. Do you want your kids bringing home new dates to stay overnight? If not, you need to avoid doing this yourself. While it’s exciting to be back in the dating game, don’t allow things to go too far too fast. You need to set a good role model for the children in your home, especially when it comes to the new relationship you are involved in.

Tip #7 – Keep Safety in Mind

Today on of the most important things to keep in mind is your safety and the safety of your children. We live in a mobile world that makes it very easy for people to hide their real background. Get to know people before bringing them into your home. Go on dates in public places in the beginning. You may even want to check the background of your date. You never want to bring home anyone that may be a safety risk to your children. This is why it is so important that you keep safety in mind and avoid bringing any date home right away to meet the kids.

Tip #8 – Listen to Your Children

Last, it is so important that you listen to your children. When you just get out into the dating game again, it is easy to look at a new date blindly. Once your date meets your kids, listen to what your children have to say about your date. Often kids can offer some great input and unique perspectives. If your child truly feels uncomfortable or scared with your date, this is a good reason to break things off.

There are definitely many things to consider when you get back into the dating game as a single parent. However, you can enjoy yourself and meet some wonderful people. In fact, you may even meet someone special to share your life with when you start dating again. Just keep these single parent dating tips in mind to make the process go more smoothly for everyone.

Source -http://www.more4kids.info/3449/single-parent-dating-tips/