Advice for Single Parents Getting Back Into the Dating Scene

Life can be pretty busy as a single parent and your children take up quite a lot of your time, but you do have your own needs that want satisfied also. You are still your own person and it is good to have some adult company from time to time.
So perhaps you have been thinking about getting back into the dating scene. But if it’s been a while since you have dated anyone you might be a little worried about dating again.
Let’s take a look at some questions that you might be asking yourself about dating and see if we can help you ease those worries.

Do I have time to date?
Children do take up a lot of your time and most of your life seems to revolve around your children. Even if you only have the one child, he/she will take up most of your time and if you have more than one then that workload is even higher.
But, you still need to take time out for yourself, so if you are ready to start dating again, then you will find a way to find the time to do so. Plan your schedule in advance so that you can fit in some time to go out and enjoy yourself on a date.

What type of relationship do I want?
Have a good think about it and decide what you are really looking for in a man. Do you just want a short term, fun time relationship or are you looking for something long term that will last.
If you are looking for something long term then you don’t want to waste your time with the partying, looking for a bit of fun type guys. So think ahead about what you really want from a man.

What type of man do I want?
There are so many different types of men out there and you don’t want to date them all until you find the right one. Make a list of all the qualities you want in a man, both physical and intellectual.
Do you want someone short or tall, dark or blonde? Do you want someone sporty or someone that loves to read? Do you want someone that is family oriented? Do you want someone that shares the same interests? Do you want someone that is ready to settle down and wants to have children?
How will my children react?

Children react in different ways to their parents dating again and you do need to consider their feelings. However, you also need to think about yourself and you also deserve to be happy, so even if you’re children aren’t happy about you dating, they will eventually accept it.

You don’t want to be bringing different men home every week, but if you do meet someone that you find you really care about, then when your relationship starts getting serious then you should introduce them to your children.
Do I tell my date that I have children?

If you are looking for a long term relationship then you should tell your date up front that you have children. You don’t want to start getting serious in a relationship only to have him run a mile when he finds out you have kids.
If he is a family oriented man that is worth maintaining a relationship with then he won’t mind that you have kids.

How do I protect my children?
The safety of your children is your number one priority and you don’t want to bring a man home unless you know that both you and your children will be safe. You don’t want to be dating a sex offender or someone that would hurt your children physically. It can pay to do some background research and make sure your date is not a registered sex offender, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Your needs
Being a single parent doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t satisfy your own needs. It is healthy for you to have some adult interaction and you might still long to meet the man of your dreams.
Whether you want to fall in love, or just want some adult company, go out there and find the man that you are looking for. Good luck!

Trina M.
First Date Advice