Single Mom Dating Tips

When you’re a single mom, dating can seem daunting as it is, but things can get really complicated when it’s time to bring the child(ren) and the dating together. Introducing your kids to just anyone you date is an absolute no-no as far as I’m concerned. You certainly don’t need to rush into that and let your child bond with someone before you’re sure that he will stick around, but when you do find Mr. Right, you need to figure out how to help them bond so they can grow to love each other as much as you love them. If you check out my book, Single Moms Guide to Catching the Man of Her Dreams in 30 Days, you’ll hear my story and see that I can truly relate.

The pressure on a single mom when she dates is far greater than it is on a non-mom, because she doesn’t only have to work on her relationship with her man but also with her children AND work on them all combined! She’s the matchmaker, the peacemaker and the referee! Taking the time to bring your man and child(ren) together slowly will help things go smoothly. Here are some ways to help your man and child(ren) bond.

1. Start of with simply talking to each one about the other. Let your kid(s) know how wonderful your new man is and how happy he makes you. Play up the qualities that matter most to a child: he’s fun, he likes video games, he can’t wait to meet, etc. You’ve likely already been singing your kid(s) praises since you met as all moms do!

2. Make the first meeting a quick one just to break the ice and help them put a face to the name.

3. Plan the first family date away from your home. You don’t want the kids to feel as though there is a stranger trying to get into the home that they’ve grown accustomed to that doesn’t include a man; they likely already feel this way a little. Instead, plan a fun kid-friendly afternoon out somewhere like an arcade or amusement park where they can play together and let loose.

4. Don’t force feed your man and child(ren) on each other. Keep your ‘family dates’ spaced out to give everyone time to ease into things.

5. Plan some sort of family date that involves working on something together; maybe an afternoon of painting a pretty picture for the house? Having them work on something and rely on your new man will help them to build trust which is key.

Helping your man and child(ren) bond just requires some love and patience. You need to gage things based on how they are all reacting to this new situation and also based on what type of history you’re dealing with. If a child has felt let down by a man in the past or if you’ve just gone through a very rough divorce; you’ll need to take things very slowly. If he really loves you then he will love your children since they are a part of you and the kids will warm up as they see first hand how happy this man makes their mom.