Dating and the Single Mum

Practical Dating Advice

Becoming a single mum is hard, but once things have settled down and you get used to your routines and lifestyle, you will want to start dating again. Remember though, now that you are a mum, dating is no longer just about you – it is also about your children.
To date successfully as a single mum requires a combination of confidence, communication, and consideration:
• Stay conscious of your children but do not let it detract from the fact that before you were a mum, you were a woman. You have needs that need to be filled; and you have a responsibility to yourself. After all, a happy, loved, well-adjusted mum makes a good mum and a good role model.
• Do not mother your dates. Being mum all day long puts us in a certain mind set; one that is not always easy to step out of. However, try to remember, your children need a mum, your date does not.
• Prepare your children. Ask them how they feel about you dating again and give them time to adjust to the idea. Let them ask questions. Do not wait until the man turns up at the door to let them know you are going out!
• Consider delaying the sex bit for a while longer. Let the man you are dating know that you do not want to jump into bed straight away. Give yourself – and your children – plenty of time to adjust to the idea of someone else being around.