How to Handle a Woman with Kids: Guide to Dating Single Moms
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For a single man, dating women with children can be daunting. But since 75 percent of single women with children at home are between the ages of 25 and 44, the likelihood you’ll find yourself on a date with a single mom is fairly high. Here are some tips to handle dating a woman with kids.
1. Don’t Assume
Ask a man who’s dated around a while and he’ll likely have some assumptions about single moms. But no two women with kids are alike. While one single mom might constantly cancel plans, another may have a perfectly good support network in place to pitch in when the babysitter cancels or little Jimmy gets sick. For every single mom who has a bad relationship with her ex, there are at least two that have worked things out and handle things in a mature, amicable manner. Negative stereotypes could lead you to dismiss a great woman before you even get to know her.
2. Patience, Patience, Patience
So you spent hours trying to get those play tickets and dinner reservations, only to have her cancel plans at the last minute because her baby has a fever. Rest assured, she’s probably just as disappointed as you are, but a good mom always puts her children first. You wouldn’t respect her if she didn’t. Dating women with children requires a more laid-back approach. If you’ll learn to go with the flow, chances are you’ll find that a more flexible picnic at the park is even more romantic than that fancy dinner you’d planned.
3. Communicate
If you have concerns, tell her from the start. Let her know that you understand her children will always come first, but you would like to feel like part of the equation, too.
4. Ask Her about Her Children
When you date a single mom, you date her kids as well. It’s a package deal. Ask her about her children. Chances are, she’ll love to talk about them and you’ll be prepared for that day when you finally meet them.
5. Ease in Slowly
Make sure the woman you’re dating, as well as her kids, know you have no plans to try to replace their biological father. Be yourself and let them get to know you at a speed they find comfortable. And, most importantly, never ask a single mom to choose between you and her children. The children will always win.
