Last week, our Weekly Advice featured advice from relationship expert and author Amy Spencer on jumping back into the dating scene if you’re a single parent. We had such a great response we decided to share the rest of the article with you. Ready to start dating again? Give our office a call today!
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Should I Date a Non-Parent?
Solution: Don't close doors before you even open them. And remember you are more than just a mother to your child.
"As much as it feels like it right now, your life goes deeper than changing diapers and watching cartoons. With all the parenting you've been doing, it's easy to forget that, but you're a person unto yourself. Just because you enjoy ice cream at the park with your kid doesn't mean you can't love wine, museums, movies, or a night out dancing -- all of the things you engaged in prior to becoming a mom," advises Spencer.
How Do I Talk to My Kids About My Dating?
Solution: Just like you're not lying about having a kid to your date -- don't lie about having a date to your kid. Still, less is more, says Deborah Roth Ledley, PhD, licensed psychologist, founder of the website TheCalmMom.com and author of "Becoming a Calm Mom: How to Manage Stress and Enjoy the First Year of Motherhood."
"Keep it simple and say something like, 'I've been feeling so lonely and it is time for me to start meeting some new people.' If your child asks a question about your date, respond with a short and simple answer, but if they are satisfied with the initial statement, change the subject to homework or something important to them."
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P.S. Do you like Amy Spencer? Check out our other blog posts from her here, here and here!
