How to Date as a Single Parent

Being a single parent is hard in many ways. There are ways to date as a single parent that will save pain on others.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Common sense.
• Courage to start again.

1. Take time to heal from your breakup/divorce from the father of your children. Take care of yourself by exercising, eating right, and sleeping. Get a new haircut that flatters your face. Get yourself physically and emotionally ready to date.

2. Get out there again into the dating world. Check your baggage at the door. There are going to be jerks and there will be nice guys. Try to be out and about when you can with healthy people to meet possible dates. If you do go online to find a date, be sure you're meeting in a public place until you feel comfortable.

3. Find a time when the kids' other parent, grandparents, or another family member, friend, or babysitter can take care of the children. You do not want your children to meet your dates unless it's getting to the point of marriage.

4. Make sure the men/women you decide to date are good people. Even though you should not even be taking people to your home, you still need to make good judgement. If you're hanging around with lowlife people it could get back to your children or your childrens' other parent. It will be bad for you any way you look at it.

5. Go to places that are going to be able to talk to your date. Do not go to a bar or movies on the first date. Go do something simple like a picnic, lunch, etc. Your time is limited so you must make every date useful.

6. Have fun. You deserve it. Don't feel guilty for living your life. Just because you have children, doesn't mean you are required to stay home and cry.

Tips & Warnings

• Enjoy your dating experience and do not rush into anything.
• Be sure to date people that like children and would be good with them in case your relationship progresses to more.
• I do need to stress to NEVER let your children meet your dates unless it's serious. It can cause serious emotional damage to your children.

[francisfour]

on 8/12/2009 I'm passing this article to lots of my friends who are also single moms like me. It reminds me of the trick I would play on my dates. I told them I lived with my parents and that they were very strict. I was living alone all along. It helped me stay safe enough till I got to know them better. Thanks for the article....good job!!!!

[Ldiamond]

on 8/9/2008 Article is awesome, and helpful especially for me, I'm a single mamas too. Good look out.

[vikki9]

on 7/20/2008 Single parenting has its challenging moments - this article will be helpful to many. Thank you.