Dating When You're a Single Parent

Parenting is a full-time job, and doing it alone takes a toll on your mental and physical energy. As a parent, you love your children, and if you’re on your own, it’s up to you to help shape your children into functioning, well-loved, and caring human beings. That’s a big job for one person but one that you take on daily when raising them on your own. So, what do you do if you’re considering the dating scene? There’s no doubt that dating can become complicated if you’re a parent and already spending a lot of effort into raising your kids, how do you navigate a potential partner into your life?

If you’re looking to start dating again and wondering how you will balance it with your already full job of parenting, then read on. Below are some tips to help you ease into the dating scene with the right perception and help you be on the lookout for the right match.

Be Honest

Make sure you’re ready to take the step before you do. The last thing you want is to get involved romantically with someone and then realize you aren’t ready to have a person in your life in that role. Save a lot of heartaches and think about what a relationship would look like in your life. What is your current schedule with your kids? Do you have enough time to be able to foster a relationship outside of your home? If that answer is yes, then you’re headed in the right direction. Whether you’re looking to create a match with NY matchmakers or find your potential partner the old-fashioned way, staying honest will help you draw in the right person and know who will be a good fit in your life.

Relationships are built on trust. Make sure you’re being upfront with your schedule, and the time you do have to work on fostering a new relationship. Let your date know that you have kids before allowing the relationship to move forward. Many relationships start with excitement and in a rush, only for one person to end up frustrated if they feel there isn’t enough time to spend together. Being upfront will help ease any misconceptions of the time you have for embarking on a new relationship.

Take Your Time

When you date, your family is involved. If you ever plan on having the person you’re seeing be a part of your family, then you need to keep in mind the family dynamic your partner will play and if they are a good fit. Screening who you date and making sure they show traits you want around your children are important things to pay attention to.

Remember if you introduce your children early on, they will have feelings and become attached. Make sure you’re already ok with the partner you’re dating being in their lives. Don’t test run a relationship and see how it goes before knowing if they are people you trust and would want around your children.

Have Fun

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Smile and take in the moment. Not everything has to be perfectly serious all the time. Plan out fun dates that make you feel alive again. What is it you wish you had more time for? Find out the same about your potential date and what they wish they could enjoy. This is a time for you to explore and find a potential partner, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself as you go through that process. You deserve to smile, don’t be afraid to have a little fun.

You’re a single parent who wants the best for your kids. Dating can be a daunting task, and taking that first step into the dating world can be overwhelming. With a little thought, you can ease into a dating life with little stress and a lot of enjoyment. Focus on being honest, taking your time, and remembering to have fun.