If you thought dating as a teenager was tough, then dating as a single parent is horrible! Well, it doesn't have to be. Being a parent of two teenage daughters, I was thrown back into the dating scene eight years ago. Dating as a single parent is a personal decision each parent must make. There are children involved, so it's a whole new world.
One thing that's important when you date as a single parent is to always put your children first. So many parents don't consider their children's needs. You must realize that your children probably will not want you dating again; they will always want Mom and Dad together, that is just a fact and it's completely normal.
You must not bring your dates home to meet your children. This only confuses the kids. Only when you have been dating someone for a long period of time and you have both agreed it's not a fling, it's okay to let the kids meet them. Remember, this is a very difficult time for most kids. Set an example for your kids. You want your children to respect you, and having a different boyfriend/girlfriend every day, sleeping over, is not going to gain respect.
I made a decision when I began dating again not to date someone who had children. That was a personal choice for me. I didn't want to get involved into a serious relationship with someone and have to juggle kids around. I had already purchased a home with three bedrooms, one for me and one each for my children and knew I would not be moving.
If I married someone who had kids, then that meant that my kids would have to either share their room, or get shifted around, I did not want that. I also didn't want to have to deal with an ex-wife and the drama surrounding the whole thing. Call me picky, but I didn't need any more drama for me or my kids. I had a right to choose who I dated or married.
This all worked out nicely for me. I met and married a wonderful man, who had been married once, but had no children. When you date as a single parent, it's difficult to meet someone who has never been married or who doesn't have kids. I love kids, I just didn't want any more. Each person has a right to do what makes them happy, as long as it does not harm anyone else, and that includes your children.
Good luck