Single Parents & Dating

Going to the movies on Friday night and enjoying a candlelight dinner by the ocean are not only activities for young, unmarried couples. Having one child or more without a spouse may leave some parents wondering if they'll ever get back in the dating game. Maybe you forgot how to act on a date or worse, don't trust any member of the opposite sex because every guy you meet somehow reminds you of your ex-husband.

Getting back into the dating pool can be tricky and stressful even for the most seasoned daters out there. What should I wear? Will she think I'm ugly? Do I have a decent personality? Does he mind if I have kids? These are all concerns faced by singles of all ages and ethnicities. For those that do have children, you face an even greater challenge in finding a partner that will also be a good match for your kids.

Forget what you've seen on The Brady Bunch and let's get back to 2007! It's challenging to meet the perfect mate with the number of hours you probably work and the responsibilities you have at home. Many single parents don't have the time to sit at Starbucks, down a latte and keep their eyes out for potential matches. If you feel like you're alone, don't.

Have you heard these single parent statistics?

o Last year's US Census Bureau reported there are about 14 million single parents in the US.

o 21.6 million children are raised by single parents.

o 83.1% of custodial parents are mothers.

o 16.9% of custodial parents are fathers.

o 80% of custodial single mom's are employed.

o 89.8% of custodial single dad's are employed.

These figures prove the extensive number of single parents that may be looking for love just like you may be! Even if you don't see yourself participating in conventional dates like the ones you went on at the age of 18, the Internet has impacted even the way you can find love.

For example, one site is Single Parents Mingle. 6StarReviews.com reported that this service is ideal for single parents dating online because of its many single-parent-friendly features. Daters can color code their personality profiles, so they are matched with others of the same personality shade. Potential daters can send winks if they are interested in another user and can browse profiles and pictures relevant to your age category.

If you're a single mom or dad, there is a world of opportunity in dating online. Never feel as if you're too old to get back in the game. You may find love where you least expected it.

Dating With Kids - Dating Tips For Single Parents

Getting back into the dating scene after a multi year layoff can be a nerve wracking and stressful experience. When you're out dating with kids at home it adds a host of other challenges into the mix as well. From the logistics of meeting people to date in the first place to how your new social life will affect your children, you've got a lot more to think about than you did when you were dating in your twenties.

You've spent all day at work then you have to come home, cook meals, pick the kids up from soccer practice, how do you even meet anyone to go out on a date with? One possible option is online dating. You can find a little time at night after you put the kids to bed to get on the computer and meet some people in cyberspace. There are so many online dating services today that a simple Google search will turn up dating sites specifically for single parents. Now, online dating is not for everyone, I understand that. In the days before the internet there were, and still are, groups and events where single parents can get together and mingle. Check your phone book or local newspaper to find these groups or special events.

If you're fortunate enough to meet someone you like during the course of your regular daily activities, then you can eliminate the process of hunting down a potential dating partner because that step is already taken care of. So, you found someone you like, you hit it off, and you've been dating for a while, when is the right time to bring them home and introduce them to the kids? This is a tough question and you have to use your best judgment but I would recommend waiting until you believe there is a chance that this could be a serious relationship before introducing your new partner to your children. It can be very difficult on your children if you bring someone home that they happen to really like and then one day that person doesn't come around anymore.

If you truly believe there is a chance that this could become a serious long term relationship, then you will have to introduce your new partner to your kids at some point. You may want to go on an outing together with your partner and your children. Something fun like a trip to the zoo or an amusement park may be a good option. As time goes by kids may become jealous that you're spending so much time with this new person. They may resent them thinking that they are trying to take the place of their other parent. You need to take things slowly and sort of ease your new partner into your children's lives. Keep an open dialog with your kids and validate any feelings they share.

As time goes by your children will gradually learn to accept this new person in their lives. It's not going to be easy but nothing worthwhile ever is.