10 Signs You’re Not Ready to Date a Single Parent

Falling in love with someone who has kids is a complicated journey that not everyone might be ready for. You have to remember to be open-minded and kind through this rollercoaster of an experience. Here are some signs that you’re not quite prepared to take this step.

1. You’re not ready to handle some emotional ups and downs – getting a divorce or dealing with a partner’s death, while simultaneously feeling the shifted burden of complete parenting, is a vulnerable and complex experience.

2. If you feel extremely jealous seeing them regularly co-parent. If their ex-partner is still in the picture, you need to play it cool and be accepting of this inevitable dynamic, with zero jealousy.

3. If you’re not ready to cut corners and want to live lavishly or be taken out all the time. Understand how expensive childcare is for a single parent – a $5 coffee for you is food out of their child’s mouth, and a good chunk out of a sitter’s pay while they’re on a date with you.

4. If you don’t value their time and are constantly making last minute schedule changes. A single parent can’t afford to be so spontaneous, or come to meet you at your place if it eats up a large chunk of time.