REALITIES
Dating as a Single Parent: Lessons for Finding Love Again
Dating as a single parent — can you do it?
Returning to the dating field after a failed relationship or marriage is nothing short of courageous. But it’s even more so when you’re reentering as a single parent.
Feelings of intimidation and guilt can hinder your efforts to make new connections. Doubts about finding someone who can accept you and your kids can dampen your hopes.
You might think it’s better to stay single forever despite longing for a lifetime partner. However, no matter how heartbreaking your past relationship was, you can still make the most of your dating opportunity.
It’s never too late to fall in love again.
It might be challenging at times, but with the right attitude and goal in mind, you’ll eventually succeed in finding a lifetime partner and a new addition to the family.
That said, here are some tips on how to navigate the dating scene as a single parent.
1. Make an Effort
As a single parent, juggling your priorities is a daily challenge. You raise your kids full-time, manage a household, and maintain a job on top of all that. Because of this, you can always make an excuse that you’re too tired or busy to date.
However, if you’re serious about finding a partner, deliberately include dating in your schedule. Allot an afternoon or evening each week when you’re free to go out. Wind down from parenting, dress up, and enjoy your date’s company.
2. Express Your Intentions Early On
As a single parent, you want to save time and effort on dating. You have plenty of other responsibilities on your plate, and games and heartbreak only mess them out.
So, filter out those who lack serious commitment by expressing your intentions early on. If your date is not on the same page, you can move on to consider other potentials.
3. Consider Your Kids
When dating as a single parent, you’re not independent from your kids. They’re always part of the picture; hence, you should consider them when evaluating a potential partner.
Do they understand that you have responsibilities as a parent? Are they open to the possibility of taking care of your children? Will your kids like them?
Remember, when you accept someone new into your life, you’re bringing them into your children’s lives as well.
4. Take Time before Introducing Your Children
Spend time with your date and get to know each other deeply before introducing them to your children. Mention the kids occasionally to ease them into that significant part of your life. At the same time, broach the topic of having a new partner with your children.
When you transition into a more serious relationship and think the kids are ready to meet them, you can gradually introduce them to each other.
Find a Balance
Dating as a single parent is both exciting and demanding. You need to balance spending time with your date and your kids so neither will feel neglected and you won’t feel exhausted.
While it will take time and effort to nurture a new relationship, it will be worth it when you find the right one. Be patient with yourself, and enjoy dating.
