Being a single mom or dad is tough. In the beginning, you spend a lot of time adjusting to your new situation. Finding ways to do things for yourself, helping your children cope with the change and building a different relationship with your co-parent if they are still around. If you are working, you also have to find ways to fit your schedule around your children and their needs, so things can be stressful. Then, eventually, you settle into a routine. You and your children become a little team, you have your ways of doing things, and you work well together. You are a unit.
When you start to think about bringing dating and the possibility of a new partner into the equation, it can be complicated. You worry about how your children will feel, how a new person will fit into your routine and you may not have any free time to actually go on dates. Here are some tips to help.
Don’t Feel Guilty
The first thing you need to do is get over is your guilt. Parents often feel guilty for taking time for themselves and this feeling is intensified when it comes to dating and moving on from your children’s other parent. While this is an entirely normal feeling, it is holding you back. That guilt will stop you finding a babysitter and making time for yourself.Be Honest
Be honest with your family and friends. Let them know you are ready to start dating again and ask them for help. Depending on your children’s ages and level of maturity, be honest with them too. Hiding things will only make it more difficult for them to accept later on.If your ex is still around, it can also be a good idea to be honest with them. Letting them know that you are dating again can help them to adjust, allow you to maintain a friendly relationship, and avoid any surprises later on.
Try Online Dating
Online dating is a fantastic option for those short on time. If you’re a single parent with a tough job, finding the time to get out there and meet someone new can seem impossible. Online dating also gives you the chance to take things slowly. Chat for a while and get to know any prospective dates before you meet. Tell them about your situation and make sure they understand and are ok with it.Get Help
If you struggle to make the time to meet someone and you’re worried about all the time you could waste speaking to potential partners, only for it to come to nothing, hire professional matchmakers to do some of the work for you.Dating as a single parent can be great. Even if nothing comes of it, it’s your chance to have some adult time. It can be scary putting yourself out there again, but it’ll be worth it if you just make the leap. Good luck.
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