Dating as a single parent

[Juststopamoment]

I’ve been on my own with my kids for 10 years. It was a deliberate as I don’t trust my choice in men and I don’t feel I’m treated well. But now I’ve watched One Day on Netflix and I’ve decided to try again. I’m not young (over 50) but look younger. My question is how do single mums do this? I’ve always been there for my kids they’ve always been put first but now I’m doing something for myself and wondering how to do it. They are 14 and 12 so can be left on their own for a few hours but I don’t want to tell them I’m dating. I want it to be completely separate from them. Do people tell their kids? I think they would be mortified and so would I! Please let me know what you have done and how it turned out. I have a first date on Sunday. Thanks!

[StrawberryTwister]

No you don't tell your children. Not unless it's serious/ going somewhere.

[Juststopamoment]

@StrawberryTwister do you just say you are seeing a friend?

[Meadowfinch]

I'm in exactly the same situation and just say I'm going to lunch or out for a drink with a friend.

I make sure dcs have all they need - food, drinks, phone etc and tell them where I am going and when I will be back. I write it down as they seldom listen properly.

Mostly my DS has no interest in my friends - who he regards as all old - so generally not curious.

[StrawberryTwister]

I'm not in the situation as I'm a lone parent so my children don't see their father so not been able to date but when they are older and I get the chance to I would just say I was going out most teens won't care where you are going (no offence 😂)

[Juststopamoment]

@Meadowfinch I was going to switch off my tracking 😳😂

[Meadowfinch]

I'm impressed your DCs would be curious OP. It's as much as I can do to drag my ds's attention away from his design tech project (the latest craze).

[Juststopamoment]

i think because it’s always just been us (father died) we all know what each other is doing at all times and it’s a change in behaviour. But probably a good thing. They are going out with their friends and now I can see someone other than a school mum!