What Single Moms Want You to Know about Dating

[Y]ou’ve been aching to start dating again. But in your new capacity as single-parent, you know in your new social circle, you will run into many single mothers (and by single, we mean moms with younger children). The US is home to 10 million single moms, so the odds are good that you may date one. But you are now older, and you are dealing with women who are far different than the last time you ‘played the field.’ They are older, have more responsibilities and changed priorities.

6 Benefits and Challenges Single Moms Want You to Know about Dating

1. Single moms have no interest in playing “the dating game.”
Single moms don’t have much interest in being indecisive, coy or “playing hard to get.” They simply don’t have time for it. Get real, and be honest. Single moms appreciate men who are upfront with them.

2. Most single moms are not looking to be rescued.
Don’t ride in on a white horse and expect her to fall grateful at your feet. They are not projects. If you want a woman whose clingy, keep looking. Many single moms are independent and happy with who they are, and they’re looking for a friend and companion. With any luck, that might be you.

3. Single moms and their kids are a package deal.
Even if there’s a “baby Daddy” in the picture, a single mom wants a good male role model for her kids. The kids may not warm up to you at first. Or, they may like you a lot — unless you breakup with their mom. That would be difficult for everyone. But with the right single mom and the right kids, the reward of getting involved in their lives can be well worth the risk.

4. Single moms have a lot going on.
In addition to raising kids, some single moms are busy working two jobs or carving out careers. They keep up with their jobs and their households, and they manage finances, and try to maintain a semblance of a social life. While a single mom may not have much time to spare, she will have time to share with the right man.

5. You will have to work to gain her trust.
Divorce hurts. A single mom may have been burned by her Ex, and she’ll be most vulnerable in areas where she’s been hurt before. If her Ex had an affair, she’ll wonder whether or not you’ll be loyal. If her Ex left her penniless, she’ll wonder whether or not you can manage your finances. Be patient. Find out where she feels most vulnerable and don’t hesitate to reassure her. She’s not only protecting herself, she’s protecting her kids.

6. Single moms are loyal and committed.
Single moms are committed to making things work — for themselves and for their families. They’re loyal, and they appreciate loyalty in return.

[tweet “If you’re lucky enough to get close to a single mother, you’ll find her to be loyal.”]

It’s not always easy to date a single mom. It’s usually more complicated than dating a never-been-married-woman sans children. But if you’re not a player and you’re up for the challenge, you may find that a single mother and her children are just the family you’ve been looking for your whole life.

What benefits or challenges have you found?

Paid image from www.DollarPhotoClub.com.