{"id":18240,"date":"2019-02-12T01:00:22","date_gmt":"2019-02-12T09:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/datemixstaging.wpengine.com\/?p=18240"},"modified":"2022-04-08T01:14:57","modified_gmt":"2022-04-08T08:14:57","slug":"single-parents-dating-simple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zoosk.com\/date-mix\/dating-advice\/dating-with-kids\/single-parents-dating-simple\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Single Parent Dating Tips: Your Simple Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dating is complicated no matter what your history is with relationships. However, when you\u2019re a single parent, the complications basically double. There\u2019s the emotional baggage that comes with past relationships or divorce, and, then, of course, there\u2019s your children to consider. It\u2019s normal for single parents to feel guilt or shame when they reenter the dating world. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though dating as a single parent<\/a> can be complicated, here are some tips to keep it simple:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Be Open About Being a Parent
\n<\/strong>While the stigma surrounding single parents might be enough for you to reconsider mentioning your children on your dating profile or on dates, don\u2019t. Being a parent is as much a part of your identity as your hobbies or job, if not more so. Your role as a parent has defined you, and while it\u2019s not all you have to bring to a relationship, it\u2019s certainly important to mention. Besides, being honest about your children will filter the people who aren\u2019t worth your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Don’t Defend, Celebrate
\n<\/strong>It\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of explaining or defending being a single parent. You might even feel shame about your situation. But it\u2019s important to remember that you don\u2019t owe any explanations or apologies, especially in the early stages of dating. Besides, shunning yourself isn\u2019t attractive. You know what is? Celebrating yourself, being proud of who you are, what you\u2019ve been through, and all that you have\u2014including, and most especially, your children. You love being a parent, so don\u2019t be afraid to show that side. Those who are into you, will be into it. And those who aren\u2019t? Well, who needs them anyway. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Don\u2019t Listen to the Debbie Downers<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Dating often brings out the love experts in all of us, including our friends and family who are all too happy to give unsolicited advice. Single parents tend to receive a lot of it, especially the negative stuff. People are prone to tell you that it\u2019s too hard for single parents to find a good partner who will want both you and your children. You’ll hear the word baggage being tossed around. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If people pass judgment on your dating life, ignore them and politely tell them to butt out of your business. Don\u2019t let anyone\u2019s opinions influence your behavior. If you want to date, then date.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Don\u2019t Feel Guilty for Wanting to Date<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s easy for single parents to feel guilty for wanting some grownup time, but it\u2019s vital to honor your needs. You\u2019re not doing anything wrong by wanting to meet someone. You might be a parent but you\u2019re also a warm-blooded human who needs connection and intimacy. It\u2019s okay to flirt and enjoy some adult company. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Take Your Time<\/strong>
\n<\/span>Looking for love should be fun so enjoy the process. Don\u2019t put yourself under pressure to find someone quickly. Likewise, don\u2019t be quick to turn your dates into something serious, and that includes introducing a date to your children. Introducing a new person to your children is an important step, and shouldn\u2019t be done until you, your children, and your partner, are ready for it. In fact, don\u2019t even think about what your kids will think of your partner. Instead, find the fun in dating. Trust that you know who’s right for you and your family, and don\u2019t be afraid to date around. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dating is stressful for anyone. This goes double for single parents. It\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed with the process, especially if you\u2019re on the hunt for a co-parent. Remember you don\u2019t necessarily need a co-parent; you need a partner. When you start seeing dating as something fun and healthy, not a means of filling a void, you\u2019ll find yourself closer to finding the love that’s right for you and your family. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Raising kids alone is complicated enough. Let’s keep the dating simple.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":18259,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[977],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18240","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dating-with-kids"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n5 Single Parent Dating Tips: Your Simple Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Remember you don\u2019t need a co-parent; you need a partner. 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