Dating a Single Dad? Make it Work With These Tips!

You’ve met a great guy. Congrats. There’s just one thing, though. He’s got a kid and you don’t. Dating a single dad can be difficult with problems ranging from crazy exes to crazy schedules that don’t allow you to spend much time together. So how can you make it work? Here are 5 tips that can help you snag that hot single dad!

1. His kids are everything to him. That’s the most important thing a woman dating a single dad should know. You may think that single dad is cute, but if you’re not into children, he’s going to sense that and the relationship isn’t going to go anywhere. If his constant talk about his kids annoy you, it isn’t going to work. So carefully evaluate whether or not you really want to date a single man raising a child.

2. The crazy ex. It’s a rare thing to find a single dad whose ex is not nuts. If you luck up on a situation like that, go for it. Most often, though, you’ll find that your man’s ex is not the easiest person in the world to get along with. A lot of men have these situations under control because they realize if they don’t control their exes, they’ll never find happiness with another woman. But there’s always the single dad who is afraid of his ex, caters to her every whim and acts like they’re still together, making you feel like a third wheel. If you’re in such a situation, run, don’t walk your way out of it!

3. Introducing you to his kids is a process. It’s not going to happen right away, so don’t fret about it. Most single dads want to wait until they know they’re going to serious with a woman before introducing her to their kids. According to DDHG’s own Average Guy, most men wait a minimum of six months before introducing a woman to their kids. While you’re waiting to meet the kid, be sure to learn as much about he or she as you can like their favorite color, favorite ice cream, etc. so that you’ll have lots to talk about when you finally do meet the kid.

4. Sleeping over is a judgment call. Should you sleep over your man’s house before you meet his kids? And what about after you do finally meet them, is it okay then? It depends. It may not be appropriate to sleep over before you’ve met the kids. It could make for an awkward situation if the kid somehow finds you in the house. You could arrange for the kid to casually meet you out with his dad, like at the mall or in a grocery store. You could meet the child and feel each other out. Then, when you and your man tell the child about you dating, he or she will have a frame of reference to draw from because you’ve already met.

5. Showing your affection is just fine. Should you kiss your man in front of his kid? Absolutely! The child needs to see how much his dad loves you and showing your affection for each is a good way to do it. Don’t forget to hug the child and let he or she know how much they are loved.

Good luck!