Men, how do you feel about dating single moms?
912021
When I date a single parent, I tend to watch HOW they parent.  If something about her parenting style bothers me (seems neglectful, abusive, etc.) then that would clue me in to not continue the relationship.  When I date a parent, I want to see that their CHILD comes FIRST, before our relationship.  If the parent isn't putting their kid first, that's a warning signal to me. \n \nDon't tolerate a man who seems irritated when your child needs your attention - no matter when that might happen, or during what activity that might happen.  Don't tolerate a man who is mean or rude to your child, or seems to not like your child.
1158622
It is sad, but true. Men are concerned about dating women with children, and mostly due to insecurity. I am a 41 yr old man and give you a full perspective so read closely please. A man who can date a woman with children is rare, but there is also a little alarm. Why is he looking for women with children?? Is he sincere or is he trying to be a white knight that turns into a control freak. I have met many guys who do this. Is he really doing it out of pity, or is it out of respect and admiration? Is he looking for someone who might be desperate in his eyes? I married a young lady many yrs ago who had a child and I raised that child as if my own. Is the guy you are looking at going to do this?  To this day that child knows me as Dad and knows nobody else would have ever provided the way I did. Some of us guys are just looking for a non committal type relationship, and others are real Men and will do right by the single and divorced Moms and the children as well. I just hope that if you are in this situation, you understand that you need to protect the child (ren) at all costs, and slowly introduce the man to the children. Don't rush into anything, and if he is trying to rush, leave him because his intentions are not honorable.
422338
Well, I have never personally met any women who wouldnt appreciate dating a single father. I have had a couple chances, but it never worked out just because we never got past the first day, had nothing to do with his kids. I would prefer to date a single dad because Im ready to settle down and cant have children of my own, but want children. I have found that the reasons of not wanting to date a single dad vary on what point the female is in her life. Now a days, women are more career oriented and not looking to have kids for awhile if at all simply because they believe children create a barrier between their career and success. Younger women, they are enjoying life partying and whatnot, and don't normally want to have to worry about anyone or children to put a stop to their usual party lifestyles. Its all about the woman and what she wants for her life. If you meet a woman who is unsure of what she wants, you cant expect her to accept your kids because she does have a choice and the path she may choose for her future may not include kids. A good conversation piece for a first or second date would be to find out what she wants out of life, where she sees herself in the next few years, etc...you may pick up signals and pieces of information from that conversation that will help you decide if she is heading in a direction where she will have the time and can accept you as well as your children. Single parents are precious and sacred and should be considered a lot more serious than dating a single person. Hope this helps!
141576
I've started and deleted this a couple times and thought about what to say to you, but am having a hard time.\n\nI can't map in for some reason, so I apologize if my response is a scatterbrained collection of thoughts.\n\nOn one hand I hesitate because you don't want to be his 'mom'.....coming to rescue him.\n\n1st....he may not feel good about being rescued by a woman. I'm not taking a shot at you or anything....I happen to be open to someone helping me if I need it, but I don't think (most?) men warm up to that......unless they are insecure, and then you don't get a man for your partner, you get an adult momma's boy.\n\n2nd....he may not like a woman coming on to strong. He may regard your advances as just that, and regard it as another element to deal with.\n\nIf you've offered coffee, and other such things and have been turned down....that's male communication for.....'thank you, but not now'.\n\n3rd He may have an ego......one that may preclude him from admitting to himself that he needs help at all.\n\n:)\n\nMen like to tackle things completely (most of the time I think) and then move on to the next issue to deal with. It's possible that you are on the 'list'...so-to-speak. I'm sorry for making you sound like a line item. I don't think that, but for brevity I phrased it that way...and to help illustrate what I'm saying.\n\nIt's also likely that whatever he's going thru is deeper than you realize and it requires all his attention. Men (most) are somewhat single-minded and throw a lot of attention on one problem at a time, depending on what it is. This could be one of those situations.\n\nHe may regard the starting of a relationship...even a new friendship right now to be a taxing endeavor that he just doesn't want to deal with.\n\nI'd say that if you've made the offers.....then take stock in that......he knows.....he knows you're there. Don't be pushy.....we men really, really don't like that. I can speak for myself on that one....lol.\n\nDon't keep asking him for coffee....he'll just think you're a pain or think you have stock in Juan Valdez (geeze is he still around?) or something....lol.\n\nThe best thing to do is be a friend. Don't be a pain, don't be annoying and just hang.....being helpful to HIM won't be your idea of 'helpful'. And if you want to ingratiate yourself to him...you will have to figure out how you can be helpful to HIM. Do you know what I mean? That may just be being an ear for him if he wants to talk, sending him some jokes on the internet.....whatever.\n\nDon't be selfish with what you want.....do what is best for him right now.\n\nHope that helps....a little anyway. I hope it works out.....send me a wedding invitation....k?\n\n;)
400261
That depends on what you're comfortable with. I would never date someone who had a kid myself. Also what kind of woman is she? Some women take advantage of guys and try to get them to support children that aren't even theirs. I'm not saying she's like that, but some of them are, especially if they're feeling overwhelmed. Also keep in mind if you get married and you go through the teen years with them they'll go through the oh so painful "you're not my daddy" phase. Just think carefully about what you're getting into.
151506
i don't see why not? i have dated alot of guys who had kids and i had no problems with the guy (regarding the child), the kid(s) or the baby mamas.there are boundries u dont cross where the child is concerned.i had no bad experiences, u got 2 know the child comes first its his priority.he's going 2 have to get child space and my dear dont forget he's going to have to be in contact with the child's mother.
662708
I dont automatically walk away.  I want to have a family of my own, but I dont mind 'jump starting' one.  I know I am not alone when I say this though, the hard thing for you will be the way you handle your child with me.  Single moms that introduce me to the child on the 1st date will not get a call back from me.  I dont need to be 'just another dude my mom is with' in the child's eyes.  However, if we wait till things work out with us, then it fine to introduce the child.  Be honest about your children through dont try to surprise a guy with it 6 months into the relationship.  Single moms are great too because they dont get to go out as much and are usually much more appreciative of the romantic dinner out.  Good luck...and hang in there...the right guy is out there for you I can feel it :)
223358
Being a single mom isn't a bad thing.  It helps weed out some of the guys who aren't worth your time, plus it makes you more careful about who you date since you have a responsibility to your child.  It may take awhile but eventually you will find the right guy who will love you and be right for you.
587034
To most guys being a single mom means you put out.... Also it means that you are sort of desperate and that you will do "what it takes" to bag yourself a guy... I am just being honest here... of course you are a human being with dignity and respect... but many guys won't look at you like that... \n\nSO my advice is:\n\nDating is fine, but beware of CREEPS... especially Internet creepy dudes trolling around for women that they think they can take advantage of...
60441
my opinion, thats wrong. that is by no means a reason that you should date someone. thats how people end up as young single mothers, in court over paying for child care or whatever. okay, maybe i am just shooting off, but really. it is very immature and irresponsible, if anything.
468131
Moms never like the person that their children pick for themselves.  No one is good enough for them from thier point of view.  I am a mom and no one is good enough for my boys.  However, I do try to stay out of their relationships, I don't have to like them, I am not the one dating them.
282868
Personally I think you should go for it.  I'm a guy and have a 9 year old daughter.  I was never looking for a mommy for my child, she already has one of them.  \n\nI met a girl about 6 years ago and she was a bit freaked at first too.  It took her a little while but soon she fell in love with the idea.  We are married now and my wife and daughter are great friends.  If my wife never gave me a chance (only because I had a kid) all three of us would have missed out on a great thing.
1090963
It sounds as though your focus is way off, & possibly because you don't want to acknowledge the real reason.  A lot of single guys look at a woman with 2 kids as having too much baggage, & they would prefer a woman who hasn't already got her life so set in stone as you do.  Add in the 2 jobs & they don't see you as someone who would ever have much time to devote to them.  Then there's the cousin with 4 kids, which would be enough to make most men run from this situation fast, because they would know the only way they could get any private time with you would be at their place.\n\nI think a lot of us single men would appreciate a woman who was willing to work & make something of herself.  However, the bulk of single men will see your past as a detriment to any chance of a serious relationship with you because they won't want to play the stepfather role.  They have worked too hard to get where they are in life to want to take on the responsibilities of a ready-made family.  As for single dads, they may feel their hands are full with their own children.  Finally, all guys are going to look at the situation you have with your cousin as you essentially living in a zoo, what with 6 kids running all over the place.  She is part of the equation, because you will be judged by the company you keep, & they will wonder why you two have what they would view as such a screwed up life.\n\nYour attitude may also scare off potential suitors.  In your effort to make it without the aid of a man, you seem to have a prejudice against men which we can pick up on easily.  Most men don't like feminists, & when you accuse them of being intimidated by your life, & use phrases like "'knight in shining armor' attitude" & "man's world", your hostility towards men bleeds through all too clearly.  It is good you have achieved what you have, but your bitter feelings towards men would be the last excuse any man would need to turn tail & get away from you as quickly as he could.  You'll need to work on seriously adjusting this aspect of your attitude if you ever wish to have a successful relationship with a man in the future, & counseling may be beneficial in this regard.  Good luck, & I hope you can get your issues in order so you can find the happiness you desire.
193010
I think some guys have a perception that a single mother is easy.  They think that they need help with their child and that they probably don't get or have had sex in a long time.\n\nFor the most part this is just that, a perception, and it is as you have said totally wrong.  Most single moms are very focused on their lives and because they are responsible for a child they are usually more self sufficient and careful than other single women.\n\nHopefully you'll find a guy that realizes all the great qualities that you have as a single mom, and treasure you for the gift you are and doesn't see you as some easy target.
15757
Your chances are good, I am a single male and date women with children, I have a step daughter from a previous marriage and she is the joy of my life. Exceptions, if the children are really mis behaving and have no manners and if they live like little piglets I won't ask the woman out again knowing she is probably not able to control them and is looking for someone who can.
990527
Ive been involved with someone that had kids and believe me, it wasnt so great.... it wasnt the kids but the fact that when you want to be alone with your loved one its almost impossible.. and youre always gonna be involved with the baby's mama or daddy so that sucks... so i'd say TO ANYONE lookin to hook up with someone with kids, THINK TWICE.. before getting involved in so much drama...
567410
I AGREE WITH YOU IAM 25 AND A SINGLE MOTHER AND LOOKING FOR A MAN TO BE WITH ME THE REST OF MY LIFE BUT I TOO SEEM TO HAVE THAT PROBLEM I BELIEVE THE BEST THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.  YOU WILL FIND SOMEONE WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.