No one ever plans on being a single parent. Life inevitably just happens and relationships end up not working out. Emerging into parenthood alone can be a scary feeling. You may ask yourself, am I ready for this? Will I ever find someone that will accept my child and I?
Many mothers and fathers wonder how they will give their child normalcy, while juggling the roles of being a parent figure and being an eligible bachelor or bachelorette. While it may seem like a major challenge it is possible to do both.
Here are tips on how to date successfully as a single parent:
1. Make sure your child knows that they are your first priority.
Whether you have an older or a younger child, they all need to be assured of your love and acceptance. When their mom or dad decides to date again, that can be seen as a threat, because they may feel jealous that now the attention won’t solely be on them and that it will be put on the new love interest in their parent’s lives.
You must assure and show them that they come first in your life. Go out of your way to make them feel extra special. Start with planning a date night with them, including their favorite foods and something that they love to do.
This will let them know that you value them and that their happiness is still a top priority to you. Explain to your child that adding to your family will allow for more fun memories to be made, and that adding another parent to their life will add tons of extra love as well.
2. Let your potential partner know about your kids sooner than later.
It’s most important to let your partner know what they’re getting themselves into. If they’re going to be a part of your life, you will need to be upfront about everything that comes with it. If you’re on a dating app, try listing it on your page, or let them know on your first date.
Being a parent is such an important part of who you are that you shouldn’t hide it. In this day and age, people are more accepting of children, so do not be deterred by this.
You should be open and honest about your current situation so there are no surprises further on in the relationship. If someone loves you for you, they will love you regardless and will accept all that comes with you.
3. Don’t bring a potential spouse home too soon.
Getting back out in the dating world may seem frightening.
Once you decide that you’re comfortable enough to make the first step and go on a date, take it slow. When we fall in love, we tend to go in head first. Love happens unexpectedly and very quickly. But it can also change very quickly as well.
Take as much time as possible to get to know your significant other and make sure that this is the person you really want to introduce to your child. If you bring a person home before the time is right, you will risk them meeting and growing a bond with your children prematurely.
In the event that you should part ways with your partner, it will only cause unnecessary pain to your children, one that could’ve been prevented.
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Dating as a single parent doesn’t have to be hard. There are just some specific rules you must play by in order to make it work. Your child’s emotional health should come first and you must do everything in your power to make them feel comfortable about this.
Be open and honest with your partner about your situation. Honesty is always the best policy and your partner will respect you for that. Do not rush your relationships.
Take things slow and only take the relationship to the next level when you think that it is the best decision for both you and your family.
The best parent is a happy parent and adding a spouse to your family will only multiply the amounts of love flowing through your home. Love is the ultimate feeling that your kids need.
Reflect & Refresh 