Dating a Single Father

Winning the heart of a single father can be easy enough, but will you be able to handle the problems after the first date? Remember, a single father is nothing to toy around with, especially if you don't have romantic intentions; you'll end up breaking the hearts of not just the father, but maybe even the kids, too. Unless you are already a heartless dater who cares nothing for the person you are going out with, know how to handle a person like this!

So, what problems can you possibly run into when you date a single father? Quite a few, and maybe even more than you'll be able to count, if you don't know what you're getting into. If you plan to gun for a serious relationship, then the benefits might end up outweighing all the work you'll have to put into winning a single father's heart. Let your hearts be your guide as you strive to become his child's new parent!

Take a Good Look Before Diving In!

The primary problem for most people who go out dating single dads is just that: they are fathers. If you are dating online, or if he is open about it during a date, then he will have mentioned it by now. This can scare off many potential daters, but there sure are people out there on the hunt for a single dad. Why else would you be reading this?

Winning the heart of a single dad can take a little more thought and planning than dating other men, especially if you are in it for a little more than a one-time fling. Of course, you might be concerned that you will only play second fiddle to the father's children, but if he's as serious as you, you will end up getting the loving you need to make it in a new family.

Of course, the single dad you plan to date should also have his own priorities in order. If he wants a full time relationship, and for somebody else to be the parent of his children, then you should understand what you are getting into. Many women who don't want to give birth to children of their own will find themselves in luck with single dads, while others will have their own reasons why a single dad seems like an ideal date.

The Kids Are Mostly Alright

Another obstacle you will inevitably face when dating a single dad for an extended period of time are the kids. The children should always be a priority for both you and the single dad you are dating, and that should ring true especially if you are planning to be the parent of your date's children some day.

When the single dad bolts from his obligations with his kids to be with you, it might seem flattering at first, but take it as a bad sign. If you really plan to become the parent of one of his children, then you should also be putting the kids first; don't let them play second fiddle to you, despite your good intentions as a dater.

That said, don't plan too far ahead when you date a single dad. The kids are likely not to accept you, and maybe even downright shun you the first time you make contact with them. And that's okay; being introduced as a replacement for the ex-parent can be shocking for a child to accept, especially when the kids are younger.

Don't try to assert yourself too much if the children do not take kindly to you at first. In fact, you should probably make as little contact as possible with the kids at first, in order to avoid any confrontations. If the kids do take kindly to you at first contact, then try to minimize your interactions with them until you become a more integrated part of the family, and if your relationship does end up getting serious.

Down The Hard Road

When you become a bigger part of the single father's life, it's important to understand his hardships and circumstances. Being a parent is tough work, especially when you're on your own to take care of one or more children. He may not have time for you that often because of his family or work obligations, and you should learn how to deal with it as time goes by.

Talking about having more kids can also come up as your commitment gets even deeper. If he does agree to have more children with you, then that can be good, but be prepared for a “no.” A single father may have enough to deal with while taking care of the children he already has, so be understanding about his decision, too.

Even when you are far into a relationship, be prepared to meet the ex from time to time, if she is still in the picture. As the biological mother of your single father's children, you might be forced to deal with the ex from time to time, but avoid being confrontational. You don't have to be best friends; just understand where she comes from, and be extra courteous and polite about it.

If all of these has taught you anything, it's that dating a parent isn't impossible. A single father can be a totally new thing to experience, and maybe even something very rewarding to commit to.