Posts Tagged ‘parents’

Ok…Relationship question for any parents that used to be single parents who started dating after being alone

So, here is my dilemma. I have a 3 year old son who doesn’t seem to be adapting well to my new relationship status. Up until 8 months ago, it had always just been me and him. I finally met a man who was worth my time (and my son’s time) but it’s proving to be a bit difficult. I’m not sure how to handle the situation since the topic of living together has come up..I want what best for my son (and myself) but what is the fine line at compromising or forwarding my relationship with my boyfriend? They seem to get along for the most part, but then other times they just clash, and I don’t really want to put my son through a lifetime of feeling left-out. I have his best interests in mind and have never dated someone just to get him a “father”. He has a great dad already but we just didn’t work out together. Ugh…
Just to clarify a bit, I’m in no hurry to move in and give up any of my alone time with my child. I know my question is a bit contradictory in parts…My son only met my boyfriend 8 months ago, after almost 4 months of making sure that this was someone worth him meeting, that wasn’t someone in a relationship with me for the wrong reasons.

If it’s hard for single parents to date someone childless, why not date other parents?

I always hear and read the complaints of single moms/dads have with dating someone who is single and childless, so why dont’ they do everyone a favor and just date other single parents?

First Dating Advice For Parents

The unthinkable has happened. Your baby girl – wasn’t she in diapers just a few weeks ago – has announced that she wants to go on a date. If you’re like most parents, your first reaction is probably to lock her in a tower like Rapunzel until she comes to her senses. But that will only prolong the inevitable. Instead, why not follow this first dating advice to make sure her first date is safe and fun.

First Dating Advice #1: Insist Upon Meeting the Boy

Teenage fashion being what it is, try to keep an open mind about the color of his hair and clothing and about the number of tattoos and body piercings. Instead, focus on his behavior. Does he treat your daughter with respect? When you speak to him, does he respond appropriately? Trust your gut instinct. If your intuition warns you there is something amiss, cancel the date.

First Dating Advice #2: Ask When, Where, With Whom, and How Long

Ask your daughter to describe the evening’s plan in detail. (When you meet her date, you can ask him the same question to make sure the details match.) Feel free to nix any part of the plan you don’t like. (E.g., “A movie sounds great, but I don’t want you going to that party afterwards.”)

First Dating Advice #3: Make Sure Your Daughter Has a Way to Get in Touch with You

Give your daughter a cell phone and a couple of quarters in case she needs to use a payphone. Make sure she knows all your numbers (home, cell, work, etc.). Tell her that if she ever feels uncomfortable or thinks she is in danger to call you immediately. Tell her that you will come immediately and that any discussion of what happened can be postponed until the next day if necessary. Make sure your daughter knows you are strong enough to hear anything she has to say.

First Dating Advice #4: Debrief

Wait up for your daughter after the date. Observe her mood and behavior. Does she seem happy or sad? Does she walk steadily? Is there alcohol on her breath? The next day, ask your daughter to tell you about the date. Share any observations you may have made. (E.g., “You say you had a great time, but when you came in last night you slammed the front door and you looked really angry. What was that about?”).

Your daughter’s first date can be a frightening experience for you as a parent. Using this first dating advice can help keep your daughter safe and you sane.

For single parents out there? What do you expect from people who date you? Reality check?

Well, I don’t have children on my own. But I have involved with a never married father of 2 small children.
He hasn’t dated much because he was busy concentrating on his work and his two kids. and be honest with you, his financial situation prevents him from taking any girls out. (He is on edge of filing for bankruptcy) I dated him for a while because I think he is a great person. I have been posting and reading questions here on yahoo answer, and found out people do have unrealistic expectations from women / men who date single parents.
I laid all my cards on the table. I told him “I am not going to be your kids step mother, never. I can be however, the great adult friend who is there for them. and I will not interfere with their daily life but I won’t make any decision for them. It is their parents job. Financially, it is all up to the court, however, if I decided to form a family with a single dad, I also have to watch out for my future family and my future kids.”
He told me he trusts me, respect me, and loves me. So it is all up to me. He doesn’t expect me to be the care giver or the step mom, what he wants me to be is his loving wife, well, hopefully.
I am just wondering if there is anything I have left out to say to him because reading answers and questions on yahoo here regarding dating a single parents discourage me. But I think it should be dealt with case by case. Not every situation is difficult. Just looking for advices to see if we are handling the situation in a mature kind of way. What are the potential dramas you see here in our relationship? thanks

Single Parents, would you date a person that seemed uncomfortable around children?

or, more or less, mentioned they didnt like children but was a good person to the children, civil to them. And Dose he He have to enjoy children?

Single parents that date? I don’t have kids but have gone on 1 date with a guy that has 2, 13 & 14?

He has already asked me to come by his house when they were there to meet them, hang out. Isn’t this way too soon? I know most single parents, esp. mothers that protect their kids until they know the person better that they are dating??

Teen dating abuse: A parent’s guide

Teens can be moody, even depressed, for what may seem like weeks at a time. But if another down day is accompanied by some unusual bruising, it’s time to take a step into their personal space. In this Children’s Channel video podcast, Melissa McClain, program coordinator for dating violence prevention at Akron Children’s Hospital, provides an overview of teen dating abuse and what parents can do to help.

Parents in Love

How to create a sizzling romance in your marriage.