When you are a single parent you are not necessarily looking for someone to have sex with or for you to fall in love with. You are also looking for someone who will make a good parent and who your kids will fall in love with as well!
The biggest mistake you can make as a single parent is to become attracted to someone who is not interested in being a parent and then try to convince them that they are fit for the job. It is also amazing how much we go into denial when we think we have met 'the one' by projecting qualities on them that they don't have such as maturity, responsibility and solvency.
The bottom line is that anyone you date should be willing and able to be a parent to begin with. Resolve that you will not settle for anything less right from the beginning and you will not waste any time meeting exactly who you want.
When dating you want to be with someone who –
• Likes kids and is willing to spend time together as a family
• Is a great communicator
• Has a great sense of humor
• Has a good credit rating
• Makes money so he or she can contribute to the household
• Does what is expected without being asked
• Is a good provider or nurturer
• Is not afraid of housework
• Is faithful
• Knows how to reassure your kids
• Is in it for 'the long haul'
It is also a fairly good idea to do a bit of a background check on the person that you are considering getting into a long-term relationship with. Make sure that he or she is not is not addicted, alcoholic or abusive in any way. You should also stay away from people with bad credit ratings, excessive debt, a criminal past or who suffer from diseases like OCD, manic-depression or schizophrenia. All of these factors add up to describing someone who is irresponsible and that is not who you and your kids want to be spending quality time with.
One of the worst things you can do is date someone for a long time and then at the last minute reveal that you have children. This is one sure way to drive someone away. You will look secretive and manipulative and breed suspicion and mistrust.
Be honest when you fill in your profile. Don’t be afraid of telling everyone that you have a child. Yet another thing to remember is that lying about your children only hurts them in the end. It is not worth the resentment it causes in your future spouse when they feel 'saddled' with a family that they did not necessarily know came with loving you.