How to Date and Still Be a Good Mom

If you're recently single, you might wonder how you can balance your desire for a romantic relationship with the requirements of your children. Your dating habits can set the tone for your children's future relationships, both positive and negative. You must set a good example for your children while meeting your needs.

Step1
Wait until the right moment to introduce your children to your date. Your kids don't need to meet every man you date. When you feel the dating turning into a relationship, it's time to include the children.

Step2
Be truthful with your children. Although your intimate life is private, if your teenager sees your dates spending the night and you teach values that prohibit premarital sex, you're sending mixed messages.

Step3
Expect children to vacillate in their acceptance of your dates. Sometimes children like the date in the beginning, but feel threatened as the relationship progresses and they have to "share" their mother with another adult.

Step4
Maintain your priorities. Although you shouldn't be a martyr, you must keep your children's needs in first place. Scheduling a romantic getaway the same weekend as your daughter's piano recital reflects questionable decision-making and may hurt or offend your child. It also sets up the "him or me" situation you want to avoid.

Step5
Don't give too much weight to the advice of others who may have a bias. Your family and friends might have trouble with your new role as a dating mom. Only you can decide what's best for you and your children.

Step6
End the relationship if it's not working for you. If you maintain an unhappy relationship because your children adore the man, you risk repeating another failed marriage. Learning to cope with loss serves as a part of a child's life experience.