Dating a single parent can be a complicated situation, so know what you are getting yourself into before you proceed. It is not just yourself and your single parent date that you have to consider in this potential relationship, but you have to also consider what the kids may be feeling too. While you may be able to avoid deep thoughts during the first few dates with a single parent, if you get serious about the relationship and you want to be a part of the family, you must realize that it is a different lifestyle choice versus being single and out there on your own.
Many single men and women love kids and can enjoy dating a single parent. Acting the part of the future step parent may not be easy for some. If you really want to have a successful relationship with a single parent and their kids, you have to take certain steps to help things progress as smoothly as can be expected (kids are no doubt unpredictable at times).
First of all, you should try not to get involved in the lives of the single parent’s children unless you and your date are ready to go steady and you both have long-term relationship goals in mind. This does not mean that you are avoiding the kids at first. Instead it is more like you are respecting the kids’ feelings. Kids might be confused with the fact that their biological parents are not together anymore, and they might find it hard to deal with new lovers in their parents’ lives.
Just as much as you need to respect your partner’s children, you also need to show some respect to your partner’s ex, the other parent of the kids. Do not go about as if this other parent does not exist in the kids’ lives. Whatever happened between your partner and their ex is between them. You do not need to criticize the ex, especially not in front of the children. Yes even if the ex is a jerk and everyone knows it, you still need to show some respect.
As another form of respect towards your future stepchildren, you should make it a point not to sleep over the single parent’s house, and neither should you encourage your date to stay the night in your house. It’s best to do sleepovers when the two of you are officially engaged and wedding plans are already abroad.
So you like your single parent date, and suddenly you feel uncomfortable because you are feeling left out. That is a normal feeling when dating a single parent. Just be honest and talk about it to your date privately, but never in front of the kids. If your single parent date loves you and if he/she wants your relationship to work, then he/she will give some consideration towards your feelings as well.
Lastly, always be kind to your future stepchildren. Make it a point to consider their needs and feelings, and always understand that having you around may be confusing for them. Do not force yourself upon them, but help them learn to accept you as a part of their lives.
Single parents often find internet dating very helpful. Online dating services can be use to screen potential dates, to avoid those who are not ready for dating a single parent. Give internet dating a free try today.
