Single parents dating again?

[OurPreciousHand]

I was reading another forum and it made me think of this. When do you think it's ok for a single mom or dad to start dating again? Let's say the child is about....5 years old and the parents just got a divorce. When do you guys think would be an appropriate time for the mom or dad to start dating again?

[Trina]

No personal experience, but I don't think there is a specified time frame. I think it's more important that the parent doesn't bring home dates to meet the child(ren) unless there is promise for a long term relationship.

[fallon]

when my ex and I split I swore to myself I would not allow another man near her until I was sure it was going to be a serious relationship. Turns out I married the first and only man I ever introduced her to

[HappyMomma]

I actually started seeing my husband right after my divorce. I wasn't looking, it just worked out that way.

I think it all depends on each individual person and family.

[OurPreciousHand]

Yea, I guess it is sort of hard to put a time frame on it. It all depends on the situation and what each day brings. And I definitely agree about not introducing every guy to the child - cause that will just confuse her/him. So I definitely agree with you guys. I saw this tv show on TLC called 'Must Love Kids' and it's all about single moms dating again. It's sort of like The Bachelorette...except kids are involved. I wonder how they are going to go abouts the children being involved...b/c that would be confusing for the kids if their mom was introducing all these men to them. I was actually able to watch the premiere episode on TLC's website online. It does look interesting...

[Dadu2004]

It's so tough when kids are involved because they always should carry first priority. When Heather and I started dating, I didn't introduce her to Delaney for quite a while, then it was on sporadically and gradually built up. I had to make sure I was comfortable with her before getting Delaney involved heavily. Children get so emotionally involved so quickly that if she got attached to Heather immediately, then we broke up, Delaney would have been crushed.

[1dayatatime]

I agree with Fallons answer. My DD mom has had, that I know of, three boyfriends in the last three years. DD has not seemed to have been affected by them. The BF she had the longest had a daughter a few years older then DD and DD talked about the girl alot but she never seemed like she missed the other people one way or another. Of course my DD is extra special so I dont know if that is "normal" or not.

[FooserX]

Originally Posted by OurPreciousHand

I was reading another forum and it made me think of this. When do you think it's ok for a single mom or dad to start dating again? Let's say the child is about....5 years old and the parents just got a divorce. When do you guys think would be an appropriate time for the mom or dad to start dating again?

I don't think a person can truly heal for at least a year after such an intimate relationship with someone else...probably more.

I get it though...after a divorce, you're lonely, and crave someone to be with, so the whole rebound guy/girl is going to appeal to people. It'll probably make them feel better, and they won't care about introducing their kids to new people...just because they want/need someone to fill that void.

I just got divorced, and really...I have no intention of even trying to date for at least 6 months - 1 year. It would be rediculous of my to bring divorce emotions and issues into a new relationship without healing and working on myself.

Plus, when you're in a relationship, you just naturally give up parts of yourself to be with that other person. So it's good to heal and work on yourself for a while before dating again. You know...find yourself.

[Kaytee]

No time frame in my mind, whenever they are ready to date again they should. As long as its done in an appropriate way that does not pose danger to the child emotionally.

[1dayatatime]

Originally Posted by Kaytee

No time frame in my mind, whenever they are ready to date again they should. As long as its done in an appropriate way that does not pose danger to the child emotionally.

Katie I assume you mean does not pose danger. lol