Dating is always a minefield, but when you’re a single parent, it becomes a lot harder. Many single parents feel that there is little chance for the possibility of a relationship working when there are children involved. The good news is that there is hope! Being a single parent doesn’t mean the end of your love life, and if you take your time and have some patience, you could be blessed with love despite how cynical you’re feeling right now. If you’re a single parent and you’re concerned about the likelihood of having a strong relationship in the future, then these tips might be just what you need.
Be honest
The temptation is always to hide the fact that you’re a parent until a relationship has formed. This is a mistake. Don’t look at your children as baggage that has to be apologized for. They are a part of your life, and the more open and upfront you are, the less likely that you will be let down by a lack of commitment later down the line. Whether you’re doing online dating or simply feel like you may have met the right person, honesty will always be the best policy when it comes to relationships. If you’re honest, you also get the added bonus of filtering the people who aren’t worth your dating time.
Balancing your time
As a parent, you have a responsibility to spend quality time with your children. As a romantic partner, you also have a responsibility to spend time with your other half. If you’re working or studying as well, then that’s a lot of balls to juggle! You can learn more about how to balance your busy schedule to ensure that your new relationship is not weakened by a lack of commitment. It’s always a difficult time during the dating process, but if you’ve found someone worth holding onto, don’t lose them by ignoring their need to spend time with you.
Never feel that you have to explain
There’s a common problem that most single parents fall into, and that’s apologizing for your circumstances. Firstly, you never have to explain how you became a single parent until you’re comfortable doing so. When you’re dating, it is nobody’s business why you are a single parent, and you should never apologize for it. Be proud of your family, and know that anyone who you allow to enter into your life is going to be lucky to have you and everything that comes with you.
Don’t rush
One of the worst things that you can do as a single parent who is starting to date again is to introduce your potential partner to your children too quickly. Partly, you should hold back on this so that your new potential partner is aware that you’re not looking for a relationship as a way of getting help to be a parent. That’s your territory, after all. It’s also essential that your children are as comfortable with this new person as you are. Only let them meet when you both feel secure in your relationship, and make sure that your children are aware of how much this person means to you.
Not all families have to be made up of two parents and 2.4 children. Families are all unique, and if you’re not ready to date yet, don’t let social pressure force you back into the dating game before you’re ready. If you’re ready, then go in with your eyes and your heart open, and be ready to embrace your new adventure.
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