Dating when you have children

[Frizzbeol]

Does anyone have any experience of dating or FWB when they have children still at home? Mine are 17 and 13 and I have been out on a few dates - maybe 10-15 over last 7 months or so but I always feel guilty going out and leaving them. Is this normal? I keep thinking they will resent me for it when they're older! Does anyone else feel like this?

I’ve dated for a while when my ds was younger than that. He had a babysitter he liked and I had a few evenings out. He took it in his stride.
Why would your children resent you? They are old enough to understand you need some time for you. They may even enjoy not having a parent around (!) for a while.
Buy them some treat food, make sure they have your number and leave them to it. A little bit of independence will do them good

Its hard not to feel guilty (its natural) but you are entitled to a life and to find someone. Your kids won't be around forever!
I find dating hard as mine are still young and I only get every other weekend free. I feel guilty getting babysitters too but, again, I try to remember that they won't be with me forever.
As long as you are giving them the love and attention they need, you can have a guilt free life of your own too.

Your kids are pretty big to be worrying about leaving them, I think. I have a FWB which involves overnight stays, my kids are glad to get rid of me....

Your children are old enough to be left alone while you go out for an evening. They do need to realise that you're entitled to a life of your own. However, I wouldn't introduce a chap to them unless it's a serious relationship (not that you have said you would), and you've been going out for a good few months. Just let the kids think you're going out with a friend - which is true really. It's exciting to have a private life!

Good luck.

Would you feel guilty if you were going out with friends?

As a teen I loved it when my parents went out. It was great.

Unless you are out all the time. Nothing to feel guilty about.