Dating As A Single Parent: Tips for Starting a New Relationship
Being a single parent in the dating scene can be a minefield, but hopefully, you’ll find it that little easier with some relationship advice.
So, you’re a single parent looking for love? Taking the plunge into the world of dating and relationships is never easy. With the bonus of a child in the picture, things can seem impossible and may get messy.
That said, this doesn’t have to be the case. Once you’ve been through the mill with the family law solicitors, and are ready to focus on yourself, the following steps await.
So, if you feel as though you’re ready for the next step in your life as a single parent, but are feeling unsure about how to get started, don’t worry. There are several ways you can make this transition as easy for you, your child, and your date as possible. For all your relationship advice questions answered, through these top tips for dating as a single parent, don’t go anywhere…
1. Make Sure You’re Ready
Starting off the relationship advice for men and women within the single parent dating scene is readiness. Being sure that you’re prepared for the dating scene and forming new, strong relationships with people is the first step to success. So, how can you do this?
The best way to get started is to dip your toe into the water of dating. Then, if it’s not for you just yet, you can wait a little longer, but if it was easier than you thought, then perhaps it’s the time! Although it may seem daunting to begin with, you’ll soon know how you feel about the process once you’ve immersed yourself in the scene.
2. Be Honest About Your Family
Honesty is always the best policy, and this situation is no different. Although it may seem crazy to tell your date about your position, you must do so as early as possible. This way, if you’re thinking about taking it further with them, you can rest assured that all your cards are on the table, minimising potential hurt later on.
The best way to do this is to either mention it on the first date as you get to know one another or pop it on your dating profile. Remember, this part of your life is something to be proud of; it’s not baggage at all; you’re just part of a package deal. Don’t feel like you must explain or defend yourself, but be aware that it’s only fair for you and your date to disclose this information ASAP.
3. Embrace Online Dating
If you’re truly serious about dating, being happy to date online is now part of the deal. Online dating is now the primary method for blossoming new relationships, with one in three relationships beginning through online roots!
This shows how times have changed. We no longer meet people at community dances and fairs but instead from outside our circle through the world of technology. So, why stay behind the times when this is the most effective way to date?
4. Make Dating a Priority
As a single parent, you’re probably most accustomed to putting your child or children first. That said, there comes a time when you have to embrace more balance in your life. So, if a relationship is something you’re truly ready for, then making this next step a priority will be the most effective dating method.
Putting aside some designated time for dating – maybe a night or two each week – is likely to yield positive progress. Book your babysitter in advance, be open-minded, and make time for this new stage of your life; it’ll become an enjoyable addition to your routine.
If you are struggling to get into the right frame of mind for dating there are several tricks you can try to get in the mindset. You can use pheromones to help you build confidence, encourage a healthy relationship, and get off on the right foot. Dress in clothes you feel comfortable in, not just clothes that look great. Don’t forget to be patient; getting back into dating can have a slow start, but the pace will pick up if you persevere.
5. Take it Slow
It’s wise to take things slow when it comes to a new relationship as a single parent. If you’re looking for the future parent of your child, the relationship needs to grow organically. This way, you can be sure that they’re the right sort of individual to bring into your family home, who won’t cause any trouble.
This certainly doesn’t apply to every situation. As a single parent, you might not want to settle down into a severe relationship straight away; having a bit of fun is still possible. If this is something you’d instead do, then make sure to keep your child out of the picture. Book a babysitter, and don’t come home with your date to avoid involving them.
Then, if it emerges into something more than just a fling, you can follow some of my other top tips to inaugurate your new beau into the family.
6. Don’t Rush Introducing Them to Your Child
As a single parent, your child has likely had several loved ones come and go from their lives. This could have a negative impact on them, so it’s vital that you minimise this chopping and changing as much as possible. So how can you do this?
Well, first and foremost, don’t openly date in front of your children. It could be painful for them to see you with someone else, so it’s paramount that they don’t see people coming and going like cogs in a machine.
Then, only introduce your children to your date when you’re sure about them. Once you’re sure that this person is wife or husband material and that they treat you well, the next step is inevitable.
7. Pick Wisely
Dating can be a minefield, especially these days, with social media pressures and romance going out of the window. So, how can you be sure the person you’re seeing is a good match for you, and how can you choose the right person?
Well, the key is that whatever your priorities are, their priorities should match. If your date is kind, sensitive, and excited because you have children, you can’t go too far wrong! For you, your children are significant, so think about them and their needs when picking a partner.
Then, think about what else would make you happy in a partner. Do they make you laugh? Do they treat you well? If the boxes keep getting ticked, this person should be a great addition to your family.
8. Make Changes to Improve Self-Confidence
Dating as a single parent isn’t all about your child. Yes, of course, they’re a priority within your life, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t also put yourself first sometimes. After all, you can’t look after someone else if you’re not looking after yourself too.
Achieving success in the world of dating is all about self-confidence, but this can sometimes be difficult to find when you’re a single parent. So, to help you get to a good stage where you’re ready to date, do something that makes you feel great! Go to the gym, eat well, engage in your hobbies, read a book, learn something new… whatever else makes you feel good about yourself, do it!
This way, you should be on top form before you immerse yourself into the dating scene, and you’ll be more yourself than ever! Then, this confidence will shine through, and you should have some great fun on your dates.
9. Strike a Happy Balance
When you first start exploring the world of dating as a young person, it’s all about that person and that person only. Similarly, with a new love as a single parent, it’ll be natural to feel like you want to spend every waking minute with them. But, with a child in the picture, this can’t be the case.
Striking a balance between spending time with this new person and your child is paramount. As with dating, you could plan one or two days of the week to spend time with your new partner. Then, once you introduce them to your child, you can merge the two a little more once it gets to the point.
However, remember that your child may still want to spend time with you on their own too. Don’t neglect their needs, and make sure they know they’re still your number one.
10. Don’t Feel Guilty
Dating with a child or children could make you feel a little guilty, which is only natural. Whether they know their other parent or not, betrayal and neglect might be the ultimate feelings on their mind. What’s more, if you’re going out once or twice a week for a date, you may start to feel like you are neglecting them.
This is completely and utterly not the case. For your child to be happy, being happy yourself is extremely important. So, if dating is the next stage in reigniting your happiness, then embrace it. Just let your child know you’re there for them and enjoy some one-on-one time with them during the week too.
Relationship Advice Made Easy
So, there we have it: 10 top tips on entering the dating world as a single parent. It may seem like there’s a lot to it, but really, it’s no different from dating before having kids. The main priorities are knowing what you want, deciding whether you’re ready, and striking that balance between kids and dates.
