Dating as a single parent

[Farontothemaddingcrowd]

I've met someone. They don't have children and are not particularly bothered about having their own. He knows I have 3 dc, aged 7, 9 and 11. He has no issue with that and has met them briefly at a family party (they are connected to a family friend, which is how we met). We get on so well. It's very easy and we are developing feelings for each other. However one of my friends thinks I should just end It, because it won't work with a childless man and I should just date men with kids. I feel like they've burst my happy bubble a bit. Obviously I'm ignoring that, but am I being unrealistic here? I know there are never guarantees.

I moved in with my girlfriend and her 2 & (then) 6 year girls last year. I have no children of my own and don't want any, but I'm loving being part of their life. Our relationship is excellent despite the challenges that especially a two year old brings.

As long as he understands that they come first to you, it can work.

Thank you. I don't want to end it, I'm really happy. As is he. So it is nice to hear positive stories.

Do you believe everything your friend tells you. If she told you to date only bus drivers would you?
Come on!!!!!!!!!!!

Twice as complicated dating someone with kids.

Just get on with it, and if it goes tits up - well it goes tits up. Better to take a chance than not.

Yes true! Like the bus drivers analogy! I think I'm just a bit sensitive about it. I agree, I've dated someone with kids and it is hard when you have two different families to organise.

My dh has no children. When we met my dd was 5 and ds 7. We have been together 5 years, married 2 years with no plans to have any together. Our little family works well. Dc have regular contact with their dad. Your relationship will work if it's meant to.

I also have 3 kids, and am currently in a relationship someone who has none. I don't see why dating someone with kids would be so much better...surely it would make finding time to see each other much more complicated.

He hasn't met my kids yet. Maybe when he does it will all work out and maybe it won't. But I'm sure as heck not about to throw away something great just in case it doesn't.

It can be easier with someone who doesn't have kids as with those who do, the kids may hate each other! If he's happy then be happy, it's his opinion that counts, not your friends!

I feel reassured. There are never any guarantees. But I also didn't think it was a given that it wouldn't work either. He is lovely, I'm the happiest I've been in a long long time and he says the same.

I'm in a relationship with someone who has adult children. He is incredibly patient as we have to work our relationship around my DCs. He gets it and although we'd like to see more of each other, it's just the way it is.

If he was an arse it could get difficult, but he isn't. I very nearly ended the relationship because it didn't seem fair to him, and having a relationship as a single parent is difficult. I'm so glad I didn't.

If he values you and your relationship then he won't have a problem. If he doesn't, then you are no worse off for finding that out. Better to have loved and lost etc.