Dating Tips For Single Parents

By Tara Hari

Dating was hard enough in your twenties, without juggling and children. But now you have to enter the dating world, while trying to make sure your kid has a happy childhood. You might be used to play dates, but are you ready for the real deal? Dating for most single parents will be confusing and frustrating. The loss of one relationship will also make you wary about entering into another.

Dating Tips For Single Parents

You just have to take a leap of faith and plunge in. It's a jungle out there and every single parent needs these dating tips to survive!

Go Slow

Take things one step at a time. You will be new to dating, so savour the experience. Do not rush into anything serious with the first person you find. Make sure you are compatible and want the same things in life. You will have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince or princess.

Prioritise

Your kids are the most important in your life. Always give importance to the promises you have made them and never cancel or bail on them. Your date will understand your dilemma and respect you for putting your kid's needs ahead of yours.

Prologue Introductions

It is advisable to keep your date from meeting your child until you are certain of long term potential of the relationship. You will not find the right person on the first, second or third try, so protect your child from a series of ill-fated romances. It will be traumatic for your child to get attached to your date, only to see the two of you break things off.

Listen to your Child

Children always believe that their parents belong together, and it will be hard for them to accept someone new in your life. Encourage them to open up to you and listen to their point of view. Clarify that your new date will never replace the other parent and allay your child's fear. Be honest as much as possible and answer all their questions.

Be Specific

Have an idea of what sort of relationship you are looking for? Tell your date clearly whether you are looking for a long term relationship or casual fling. It will save you a lot of time and heartbreak. You do not have time to spend on pointless relationships.

As long as you are honest to your date and your kids, your dating life as a single parent will be relatively smooth. Try to keep the sections of your life separate and have definite boundaries, like not involving your date in the parenting. Be patient, try to have fun and enjoy the single life. The right person may be just around the corner.

Story first published: Friday, May 24, 2013, 19:38 [IST]
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