When you are a single mom and you are dating everyone will want to give you advice.  The truth is that only you can dictate what happens in your romantic life.  You are a grown woman and you are smart enough to make the right decisions.  With that said, it is common to want to get some help with dating because dating is hard – with or without kids.

You Make The Rules

Start by realizing that you make the rules.  It is up to you if you want to date.  It is up to you how serious you want to get.  It is up to you if you want to introduce the man you are dating to your kids.  It is all your choice.

To make things easier, here are some great tips that will help you get back into dating.

Tip #1: Have a sitter in place.  You should look for someone reliable and who will be able to watch your kids pretty much whenever you ask.  Also consider having a sitter that can stay over, just in case the need arises.

Tip #2: Avoid the urge to find new daddy for your kids.  Guys are afraid to date single moms because they know it comes with responsibility.  Don’t pressure him too soon to step up as a father figure.  Let him in on deciding if the dad role fits him.  You will know he is up for it when he starts to make comments or suggestions involving the kids – like, let me pick up junior from his ball game since I work right by the field.

Tip #3: Remember that your kids are watching.  You are still a role model, so don’t throw your morals out the window and act like a crazy teen.  Keep yourself in tact and don’t lower your standards because you think you have to just because you have kids.

Tip #4: Don’t forget to have fun.  Dating should be fun.  Don’t let yourself worry about the kids or even focus on the kids when you are out.  When you are out, focus on being out.  You left the kids in the hands of a trusted sitter, so enjoy yourself – they are fine.

Tip #5: Don’t hang on too long.  Too often single moms hold on for too long to a relationship that is failing.  Whether you feel that you don’t want to break your kids hearts because they really are attached to him or that you fear you won’t be able to find anyone else, when it is over then it is over.  Leave it.  You’ll be happier in the long run.