When you have a child, figure out dating can be a bit of a challenge. You have to evaluate not only your own needs but also the needs of your child. Balancing your romantic interests, caring for your child, and things like work responsibilities take a good deal of adjustment and planning. This is how to date when you have a child.
Tell People You Have Kids
Telling potential suitors of your parental status is crucial. Get right to the point about having kids, especially if you have an online dating profile. It’s not the only part of your life, but it is a very important one. People might lose interest in learning this information, but they need to know it. Those who agree to go out with you can hopefully give you encouragement, as they’ll let you realize that being a parent doesn’t mean you can’t date.
Don’t Let Yourself Feel Guilty
Don’t feel like you have to completely sacrifice any other part of your life because you’re a parent. Not letting yourself date out of guilt can make you feel like a martyr, and you’ll just end up robbing yourself of happiness. You shouldn’t date unless you’re ready to, but if you get the urge to, go with it. Be sure to keep your expectations tempered. The first person you go out with is highly unlikely to become your betrothed. Let yourself have fun with this experience.
Work on Scheduling
Good scheduling is a must as a single parent, but it’s especially crucial when you’re dating. Go over your child’s needs before you finalize any date. For instance, if someone wants to go out the same night as a youth sports game, you need to decide on a different date. Make arrangements with your child’s other parent or with the parents of their friends when you need nights to yourself.
Introduce Your Child to Them
Have your child get to know the people you’re dating once it’s become clear that they are caring and you see a future with them. Unless you know for sure that something is purely casual and is sure to end, you have to introduce them to your child. Whether or not they bond is out of your control. Don’t try to force a bond, and understand that your child not getting along with someone might mean that your relationship isn’t meant to be.
Avoid Comparisons
Everyone else can seem like they have it together and that they’ve formed the perfect family unit. Stop and think for a moment about how distorted your perception is. There are plenty of people who have dated successfully as single parents, but there are also those who are figuring things out, just like you are. If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start, a matchmaker service can help.
You’ll have to make some tough choices when it comes to dating as a single parent. However, if a relationship is promising, you’ll figure out a way to make it work. You need to be pragmatic but also optimistic. Having a child can affect things when you’re dating, but it doesn’t prohibit you from finding romantic love.
