Dating can be a roller coaster of emotions. The high of preparing yourself for a first date, meeting someone you like, starting to date them to see if they're going to be a good fit for you and then potentially things not going to plan, being ghosted or having to navigate ending a short term relationship.
All of this is part and parcel of dating, but when you're a single parent there is much more at stake than someone who doesn't have those responsibilities.
There is less free time as a single parent and child care needs to be arranged, making you more selective about dates which is a good thing.
This is where you need to lean on your support system whether it's friends, family or other single parents who understand your journey.
You have to be on top form for your busy life with your child/children so you need to protect your emotions, if you're upset and going through stressful situations your focus is directed away from them and its hard to keep a positive and fun atmosphere for them. There are no duvet days as a single parent. If we can avoid jumping straight in head first there's a better chance of getting to know someone before getting hurt. Maintaining some structure helps. Keeping a routine, hobbies and exercise allows you to keep yourself balanced.
Communication is key, be clear about your expectations, boundaries and the role your children will play in your dating life.
When do you introduce them to your child??
This is the big question and is different for every relationship. Things can change a lot in the first 6 months of a relationship, you may decide to bump into each other at a park now and again as friends to test the water when you feel like you've established a strong connection.
Remember single parent dating is a unique experience and it's essential to go about it with patience, an open heart and self awareness.
Embrace the journey, learn from the experiences and prioritise your wellbeing and that of your children, and don't forget lots of self care.
If you're dating a single parent try to be understanding and thoughtful for the extra factors that they have to consider in the dating journey. Only approach with the best intentions. And most importantly, have fun!
It's an exciting time for everyone involved, a new chapter. Things aren't always forever and sometimes even if it doesn't work out the bits that the children will remember are the fun things you did. I had a relationship not work out a few years ago and all my son remembers from age 5 is the exploding menthos in a bottle of coke experiment!
As long as relationships are harmonious and fun even if you do have to go through a break up, as long as you're consistent and loving then they'll be more resilient than you think.
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