Dating as a single parent can be very hard especially if it is your first time. There can be many thoughts going round your head such as feeling like no one will want to date you. This is not true, there is always someone out there who is either in the same situation as you, or is looking for someone like you. Below is some useful and simple advice on how to go about dating when you are a single parent, whether it is your first time, or not.
Before you start thinking about meeting someone, make sure you are ready to start dating. You don’t want to regret the decision to start dating half way through the relationship when you realise you are not quite ready. Don’t feel guilty when you start dating, if you are ready then that’s all that matters. When you do finally find someone to start dating, don’t rush into it. You need to make sure that you and your children are ready for you to start dating, so ease it in slowly and take your time.
When you do start dating, always keep your children updated about what you are doing and who with. Your children are the most important thing to you so make sure you talk to them about it and let them know what’s going on. The last thing they want to see if you moving on with a new boyfriend or girlfriend so don’t let them think that you will have one straight away. Also let them get to know the other person, so they feel at ease around them. When you do tell your children, always prepare for the worst reaction. They will be angry, sad, shy or nervous about the situation but if you give them time they will come to terms with it.
When you start dating someone, if they don’t know already, make sure they are aware that you are a parent from the first date and always are honest with them. Not everyone will feel comfortable dating someone with a child and if you don’t tell them the truth after a few dates, they might not want to give you a second chance. This doesn’t have to be the first thing you mention and it should not even be a problem, but the longer you leave it, the harder it will be to tell them.