by Desmond Ray
Motivation. If you are a single parent ” do you really need to fall in love? Probably you already have too many issues in your life, but the answer is still yes! Can you give your kids love in full, if your own love has not bloomed for a quite awhile? Sure, this is not the same thing, but I am also sure that your kids want you to be happy as much, as you want it yourself. Because of love people feel happier, look nicer and live longer. So, if love comes to you, everybody wins, including those whom you love most of all in this world: your children! So, for start you need strong motivation for dating again, something like I just said, or something else that you have to find for yourself.
Are you ready? Lets assume that you have enough motivation and you are ready for it. Question: how well ready you are? Here are a few simple checks for that. First, no hard feelings about your former spouse, parent of your kids, ex-lover. You really dont want those things to be dragged into your new relationship, so you have to cast them aboard. Second, how much do you love yourself? It must be tha-a-a-a-at much (really big hug), otherwise how can you seek love from someone else, if you lack it for yourself? However, I am sure you can fix this problem: just think why your kids love you so much. Finally, you may feel that a millennium passed since you were in love, and you (perhaps) have no clue how it should be done today. The best approach is to seek your love online. You will have enormous choice of candidates and total control of your pace, so you really could take your time and do it right.
Are money an issue? So, lets assume that you have your motivation and you are ready, but there is still one more issue left unclear, that is, money. You dont feel like dating is something that you can afford right now. This is where online dating gives you one of its best features: the very low level of spending with great outcomes. The only thing that you have to pay is your membership fee, which is by all means a modest expense. After that you will have an access to thousands of profiles, you can contact tens of candidates, you can afford the finest search you need: an impossible venture if you would try it in a live mode! Besides, if you like, you can sign-up to a single parent dating network and find someone special right in your area.
You and your children. You are looking for a date, but what about your children: how much they should be informed about your intentions, if they should be informed at all? The answer is yes, they should know that you are looking for a date. And they should know when you are going to a date, they should know what to do if you will be late, etc. For the same time you should not let them any attempt to control your dating. They can do it from a simple jealousy, but this will pass. Dont let them make any choices for you, you have to decide whom you are dating and whom not, it is your life.
Your children and your new friend. Sooner or later your dating will turn into a durable relationship and you will have to introduce your kids to your new friend. First, you just have to tell them about him or her. You dont need any surprises, neither you want somebody else telling them about it. The first meeting must be short, pleasant and free of anything artificial. No need to push any side for a great friendship, it should develop naturally and in time. Children should feel comfortably in new conditions: you have to assure them that there will be no change in your feelings toward them and you will care about them as always. After the first meeting ask kids their opinion. You must always be open and sincere with your children on this subject.
About you and your new friend children. You have to ask your friend about her or his kids: names, age, what they like to do, what they dont like, etc. By all means avoid having the first meeting at their place: kids shall not feel that you are a threat to their living space. There are few more things to avoid: saying or showing anything negative about their other parent and acting artificially (kids will feel any pretentiousness a mile away). Ask your friend what kind of presents will be a good idea to bring, make your gifts not too expensive (neither too cheap). If it will happen that a child is cold with you, dont take an offense, be a grownup: if you will handle all difficulties maturely and with a good sense of humor, you will succeed.
Thats it! Oops, I almost forgot one more thing. Do not rush into getting married again, just give it some time, and good luck!