Single Mother Dating Tips

A single mother's life is usually filled with the duties of being a mother and juggling a number of other responsibilities by herself. If you do find a single mom that has the time and is ready to date make sure you keep the following tips in mind.

The Kid(s) Aren't Going Anywhere

If you already know you don't like kids, think they're noisy or annoying or aren't ready to be around children and have decided you're not a "kid guy", then stop here. Don't proceed to date a single mother hoping that the kids will grow on you or that you'll just tolerate them while they're around. Most mothers can spot a fake "kid guy" a mile away anyway so pretending isn't a good strategy either.

Don't Expect a Whole Lot of Time

Single mothers never have enough time. Think about all of the responsibiities you have to take care of yourself and then try to imagine all of that plus taking care of a child or children. Children need everything we need and more. That means if the single mother is working, she still needs to feed herself and her children, take baths, do homework, and still find time to actually spend time with them.

She Isn't Looking for Daddy Part 2

Not all single mothers are looking for a new daddy for their children. Most of the time there is already a dad, whether she likes it/him or not. Don't be afraid that she is going to immediately start asking you to bake cookies and join the PTA. At the same time, don't try to push yourself into that position. Frankly, if the relationship is new it'll just translate into creepiness.

Be a Cheap Date

The average single mom never has enough money. If there is ever anything extra after the house, car, utilities, food and clothes are paid for, she'll probably use it for the kids. Do her a favor and plan an inexpensive date. Go to the park or make her a dinner at home.

Single Mothers are Busy...Seriously

If she says she's busy, she is. Unless the single mother is Britney Spears, she isn't asking for or receiving much assistance in managing a home and kids. This is not a single mother trick to give you the brush off. Not always anyway.

You are Not Just a Free Lunch

Although it would seem that the best lunch is a free lunch, single mothers are not out to find a guy to feed them. There's actually a good chance that she's been handling things on her own for so long that she really doesn't need anything from you except adult conversation. If she agrees to let you take her to dinner, believe that it's for your company.

Don't Ask Her for Anything

This should be a given, but don't ask to borrow any money and don't sit in her house and eat her food. Remember that those resources are for her children and you are essentially taking from them.

Don't Expect to Spend the Night

Until you know for sure if the relationship is going somewhere, do you really want to confuse the children by spending the night with mommy?

Save the Serious Conversation

If you feel the need to discuss your relationship, wait until the children are not around or are sleeping. They don't need to hear your conversation about how it is or isn't working out with their mother.

Once you have these things in mind and if you're still ready to date that single mother, take her out and show her a good time. There's a good chance she deserves it.