Is Dating Single Moms Too Complicated?

Having kids is a big responsibility and can make it tough for single moms to focus on dating. If you have a single mother in your life, you might love them very much and accept that they will be a busy individual most of the time. On the other hand, you might notice that dating a single mom can carry with it many more implications than dating someone without children. Is dating a single mother worthwhile, or is it something that may be too complicated? The answer to this question can ultimately come down to your expectations and how much attention you require in a relationship. While many people find that dating single moms is a fantastic experience, others may not be able to handle it. Read on to examine some of the potential issues that you might face and benefits you may enjoy while dating single mothers. 

Their kids may always be the number one priority

Coming to terms with the fact that their kids will always be the number one priority can be tough for some potential partners. If you are used to dating people who don't have kids, you might be accustomed to getting more attention. When a person doesn’t have any children, they often have more time to spend with you. Therefore, they might focus on the relationship a bit more, which could allow things to progress faster, at least in theory.

Dating a single mom can be different because they need to ensure their children are adequately cared for before focusing their attention on a potential mate. There are a lot of things that need to be taken care of for the children daily. They probably make lunches, handle dinner, ensure that homework is being completed, and attend their kid's extracurricular activities. Needless to say, a single mom can be a very busy individual. 

Dating someone who stays so busy all the time might be complicated, but it can also be worth it. You might find yourself wanting more attention but may be disappointed when the time isn't there or needs to be adjusted. Those dating single moms often need to be very understanding and patient individuals. Dating a single mother has potential problems depending on one’s preferences, and the lack of time can be one for many potential partners. If these problems are too much for you, being truthful about it and sticking to dating people without children may produce the healthiest outcomes for everyone. 

They may be more tired and stressed out

There may be many days when the single mother in your life is too tired and stressed out to do much of anything. They might be working a full-time job while also juggling their responsibilities as a mother. This can take a lot of energy, and everyone has a breaking point. It can be frustrating when your partner doesn't feel like going out when you had plans, but sometimes you may have to be understanding of this. A single mom might not have much left in their energy tank after going through a rough day, so you’ll likely need to be okay with them needing downtime even when you want to be together.

If you can try to be there for them while they’re going through a stressful situation, they may appreciate it a lot. People who decide to date single moms must often be more patient and understanding for the relationship to thrive. Having empathy for them and putting yourself in their shoes can be helpful during times of frustration. 

Their kids might not always like you

One of the most mentally taxing issues you might face while dating a single mother is getting their kids to like you. Sometimes their kids might not be capable of opening up to you very easily. This can be especially true when the kids feel like you're trying to take their other parent’s place. If the other parent is still in the picture, the kids might wish that their family could be back together like it once was. It isn't unusual for the children of single moms to make life hard on the people that they date.

It isn't always like this, though. You may also encounter children who want to get to know you and want to make sure that you're going to treat their mother with respect. It can be important to prepared to earn these children's trust if you want to have a serious relationship with their mother. Their kids are the most important thing in their life, and you may eventually need to learn how to interact with them if you're going to stick around long-term. It might not come naturally to you but trying your best can make a difference.

Your relationship with the children may be rocky and develop with time, but a stable connection usually won’t be established right away. Some people may consider this too complicated and think that dating single moms isn't for them. It can be crucial to be honest with yourself and the person you’re dating. If this is too much, finding a relationship elsewhere may be healthiest for each of you and the children involved.

Single moms need supportive partners

These issues also might be enough to scare many people away, and not everyone will have the strength to face them. If you don't want the added stress that some of these situations can bring into your life, you might be better off not dating a single mom. That being said, if you can be a supportive partner, you might have more success when dating one. Being a supportive partner might mean letting them vent, helping them around the house, or picking the kids up from school. While everyone deserves a supportive partner, single moms may need them even more—particularly on their most trying days. 

It can also be a beautiful experience

Even though the potential situations mentioned above might seem like a lot, it can be important to note that dating a single mom can still be a beautiful experience. If you find a single mother that you love, and they happen to have kids from a prior relationship, it can be worthwhile to go through unique challenges to be with them. 

Some people wind up developing a close relationship with both the mom and their children. If you desire to become a father figure, this could work out for you as well. It won't always be easy, but you could become an important person in these children's lives if you enter into a committed relationship with their mother. Moms who win at single parenting often have a lot of love to give and typically appreciate having a dedicated partner. If you can offer some of your strength to make their life a bit easier, it can boost the quality of the relationship. 

Raising children can be difficult in any situation. Dating single moms won't always be easy due to parental problems and being busy. However, life isn’t necessarily any easier for people without kids either. You can face difficulties together with your partner when you love them. If you want to make a relationship with a single mom work, take the time to work together on any issues and understand some of the problems listed above. As you grow in empathy, compassion, and understanding, you can build a relationship that leaves both of you happy and fulfilled—without neglecting the children in the process.

Online counseling with Regain

If you’re new to the dating scene or dating a single mom for the first time, you may be experiencing unique challenges. It is natural to have problems within your relationship at times but solving them and moving forward as a stronger couple can be vital. Regain is an online counseling platform that provides support, guidance, and advice to individuals and couples alike. You can meet with your therapist through video chats, phone calls, or an in-app messaging feature according to your availability. This means that even if you have a busy schedule or one that conflicts with your partner’s, you both can still receive the support you need at a time that works for you. Working with your partner and your therapist, you can come up with a plan to heal what’s broken in your relationship and increase your understanding of one another.

The efficacy of online counseling 

Online counseling can be an effective resource for those experiencing issues in their personal or dating lives. In one study, researchers found that couples who were experiencing relationship distress benefitted from online counseling. Couples also had reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and more satisfaction within their relationship.

Takeaway

If you’ve never dated a single mom before, you may not know what to expect. While it may offer a different experience than entering a relationship with someone who doesn’t have children already, that doesn’t mean it can’t be healthy and fulfilling. Every situation is different, and it can be important to approach any new relationship with an open mind and heart. Should you experience problems during your dating journey, it may be beneficial to speak with an online therapist about how to proceed.