Tips and Insight for Dating Single Dads – It’s More Difficult Than You Might Think

Dating single men with no children is very different than dating single fathers. Even if they don’t get their children involved directly in their dating lives, they will have various obligations, family demands, and prior engagements that take up their time. They’ll probably also put their children first, and rightfully so. That doesn’t mean that they’re not dateable—it just means that you need to be willing to adapt to their lifestyle and the type of dating or other arrangement that works for them.

The caveat, of course, is that it’s going to be different for everyone and what you need matters, too. Before you get involved, start by learning how to date a single dad. In this guide, we’ll cover the tips you need and help you learn all about dating a single dad, as well as how it is for the dads themselves, so you have a better understanding of what you’re getting into.

Dating as a Single Dad (or Parent of Any Kind)

When you’re a parent, dating can prove to be a challenge. Not only do you put your family first, but when it comes to meeting new people, you don’t exactly have a lot in common with most of the people on the singles market today. Platforms like SecretBenefits can sometimes help bridge that gap, but dating other parents usually seems to be the most obvious choice. Still, it isn’t for everyone. Even those who adore their own children may never be capable of having the same feelings for their new partner’s children.

When a situation arises and it’s the date versus the family obligation, you’ll almost always be asked to accommodate so that they can take care of their children and make sure that their family gets what it needs. Some single parents are less involved in their kids’ lives, so that may make them more available for dating or just put them in a situation where they don’t always have to be a “parent”—these relationships may be easier than dating those with full-time parenting responsibilities.

Dad Means Dedicated and Dependable

Of course, that dependability may extend only so far toward you in a dating situation because he will be primarily focused on his kids and his family. That can point to signs of someone who is dedicated and who is reliable because he has his priorities straight and puts his family first. This can make him a great partner, but it also means that you’ll have to be flexible and patient when you first start dating. His dependability will be given to his kids first, which means the chance of canceled dates and rescheduled plans.

Over time, though, as your role in his life becomes more prominent, you will get more of that dependability on your end, too. There are few things better than knowing that you have a partner that you can rely on for anything, including emotional support, parenting assistance, and so much more.

You’re Not the “New Mom”

Sometimes, women who date single fathers assume that their role will be that of the mother-type. While some men are looking for women they can share a life with and share parenting with, that’s usually the exception. The more common situation is where dads have everything together, they may even have a relationship with the other parent, and yet they just want to find someone to date and share their life with.

Don’t walk into a single dad’s life like you’re going to be the next wife, mother, and everything to him and his kids. Just focus on getting to know him and spending time with him. The rest will fall into place. And, if you do eventually take on more of a maternal role with the children, it will come naturally.

Give Him Space and Flexibility

Single dads have a lot on their plates. If they’re working and raising kids, it can be a constant stream of chaos from one day to the next. The last thing that he needs is a woman who is desperate, needy, or far too clingy. He’s got kids and a job and a whole life already—let him do his thing. Dating is supposed to be fun, so when he’s got time to get away, you should be available to help him unwind and relax, not to give him grief or try to demand things he can’t give you.

Be flexible with plans. Don’t get mad if he cancels. That can be hard enough for a single parent and the added guilt just makes it less fun to try dating. You should be understanding and supportive with anything that arises. Don’t add to his stress.

Realize the Ex or Kids’ Mother is Still Involved

In many cases, single dads are still engaged in some form of relationship with their ex or the mother of their child(ren) to help facilitate a better parenting arrangement. This doesn’t mean that you need to be jealous and protective of him, or that you need to worry about the relationship with the ex. They’re not together for a reason. If she’s still around and involved with the kids, that should make you happy, not jealous.

Be prepared to interact with her at some point, depending on the way the single dad you choose decides to date. Some keep their dating separate from their family life until or unless it gets serious. Others just date and enjoy themselves and don’t bother keeping it from anyone. It’s all about what you both are comfortable with.

Dating a single dad can be a rewarding experience. It can also be a great way to find a man who is reliable, loving, trustworthy, etc. Fathers have a lot of great qualities that also make them wonderful partners in relationships. Remember that the kids come first and this is going to be a little bit more of a complex dating situation, but it’s generally worth it when you find the right man.