What to do when dating a single mom?

Dating a variety of people can be a lot of fun, and as you date some new types of people, you might naturally have questions.  If you have never dated a single mom before, it is only natural to have some questions, and having some questions will hopefully help you take it seriously and be respectful.  One important thing to consider when dating a single mom is her space and time.  She is taking care of another human, so it is only logical to realize that she will need some space and energy.  It can be tempting to compare to other people you have dated, but be careful because it will look somewhat different when dating someone with children. 

Single mothers can sometimes struggle with being insecure in the dating world because some people might be alarmed about the idea of having children.  Therefore, if you want to date a single mother, clarify early that you are okay with children and/or even want them.  Doing this can help calm any insecurities she might have around this while also giving further discussion are children in general and her child specifically.  Showing interest in knowing more about her child and how motherhood has been for her could be a really connecting experience for the two of you.  You can even try to show some empathy around the idea of being a single mother and the strengths she must have to be able to do that.

When dating a single mom, some people will feel alarmed and label the person as a mother.  While she is a mother, she is also so many other things as well.  As you would with anyone else, try to show interest in the other areas of her life.  Showing interest in her child is great, but make sure to pick up on other areas she is interested in and to ask about those areas.  Doing this can help show her that you are genuinely interested in getting to know all of her rather than just one part of her.