A lot of single dads just aren’t sure how they’re going to get out there and date. The Art of Charm understands; Dating is difficult and it’s even more difficult when you have children. But difficult doesn’t mean impossible. At the end of the day, dating for single dads is mostly about figuring out logistics, not about massive changes in your life.
Remember Your Child Comes First
This should go without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: Your kids always come first. In fact, this attitude isn’t a restriction on your dating life, it’s a great way to filter the right women in and the wrong women out. The right woman isn’t going to try and compete with your kids. The right woman will understand that things have to get pretty serious before you start introducing her into your children’s lives.
Online Dating Is a Boon
One of the best things to happen to single dads in the world of dating is online dating. It allows you to find dates when it’s convenient for you, rather than having to go out during peak bar and club time. What’s more, it allows you to cut to the chase and find only the women that you already have something in common with, creating a shared sense of attraction before the first date.
Be Up Front About Your Situation
This ties into what we said above about how having children can act as a sort of automatic filter; Don’t feel like you need to spend your whole date talking about your kids. In fact, you shouldn’t. However, you should be very open and frank about having children and honest about the fact that they come first in your life. As we said, it’s a great way to get right to it: A woman who isn’t OK with this from the start won’t be any more OK with it six months later.
Make Introductions At the Proper Time
Especially depending on your kid’s age, it can be hard for your children to accept that you’re dating someone new. So wait until things are serious and make the proper introductions at the proper time. Talk to your kids openly about your dating in an age-appropriate way. Remember that if you’re dating someone in the long term, it’s going to be very hard to maintain the relationship if your children are dead set against it.
Don’t Let Your Ex Interfere
There’s concern for mutual children and then there’s meddling. You have every right to date and meet new people. Don’t let your ex get in the way of your happiness. A lot of times jealousy doesn’t come out until you’re seeing someone new.
