How To Date A Single Father

Being in a relationship with a single father can be a little tricky. Even if you're wonderful with children, this situation is a little different. These aren't just any children. These are kids who move back and forth between parents and see them date other people. Here are some tips for dating a single father.

Don't: Insist on meeting his children right away

When and how you meet your boyfriend's children is not a sign of how much he likes you. If you're dating a single father, it's important that you let him introduce his children when he and the children are ready. You will probably be ready much sooner than they will. Single parents often wait a while before introducing new people to their children because they don't know if their relationship will last. Don't make him prove he cares for you by meeting his children too early. If it takes a while to be introduced, don't be offended. He's not insulting you, he's protecting his children. And that's a good thing.

Do: Respect his time with his children

As a single father, your boyfriend might have his children most of the time or just a couple of days a week. Whatever the case, it's important that you respect the time that he does have with his children. Don't try to make him choose between you and them during his time with them. Be supportive and insist that he see his children if you see him struggling to decide.

Don't: Try to be their mom

When you do meet his children, it's important that you don't try to be a parent to them. It's not your job to discipline them or make the rules for them. Consider yourself a friend to them. Remember that they already have a mom.

Do: Expect a little resistance

Some children are okay with their parents dating and some are not. Don't be upset if they don't warm up to you immediately. It might take some time. They may even act angry toward you and test you. It's important to be patient with his children.

Don't: Be overly generous

It's natural when you meet your boyfriend's children that you'll want them to like you, but being too generous, either with things or feelings is not a good start. You don't have to suck up to his children to make them like you. You don't have to be sickeningly sweet and talk to them like babies, either. If they are going to like you, they will like you for you, not for the things you give them. Children are also very perceptive and can tell when adults are not being genuine.

Do: Have a discussion about the future

When you're dating a single father, it's important to make sure he wants the same things as you in the future. Does he want any more children? If you don't have any, this is something that's important to discuss if you do want to have one of your own. Does he want to get married again? If he was hurt by his first marriage, he might not be excited about the idea. It's important to discuss these things before you become too involved with his children. Children get very attached to people who are in their lives. You also don't want to become attached to him or his children when you don't want the same things in life.

Don't: Badmouth their mother

This is an obvious no-no when dating a single father. The last thing you want to do is badmouth a mother to her children. Even if you used to be best friends with her and you think she did everything wrong, this topic is off-limits with children. If the children complain that their mom won't let them have something or do something and are upset with her, stay neutral in your opinion.

Dating a single father might seem complicated and stressful, but it doesn't need to be. Just remember these tips the next time you find yourself crushing on a single dad.