Dating as a single Mum

[pipko]

I have a 2 and a half month old daughter. Her father and I separated during my pregnancy (long story and was absolutely not the plan).. Wasn't ideal but unfortunately stuff happened and the relationship had to end. He is still in my daughters life and him and I get along fine. I am in absolutely no rush to jump into dating as my daughter is still so young and to say the least a LOT of work. Finding the time to date right now would be near enough impossible. However, I know in the future I will probably want to have another boyfriend. I know things will be different this time as I have my daughter to think off.
So my question is- Is it harder dating when you are a Mum? What changes? Do men want to date single parents? What are some of your experiences?
Also, when I feel the time is right, how do you meet someone as a Mum?

I had a similar experience. My ex left when I was pregnant. Had very little to do with our DS until he was 2.5 years old. We’re now on pretty good terms but I’d already moved five hours away back to family in the north by the time he popped back into our lives. My DS is now 3.5 and I met my current DP through online dating. For me online dating was great because I didn’t get time to go out to bars etc. and I actually didn’t want to meet someone that way. What I will say is you have to have thick skin for online dating, but I honestly never had a guy saying he didn’t want to date me because I had a child. What helped was meeting my DP who had two children of his own who are a similar age to my DS. He understands the chaos and love and sometimes stress of being a parent. He understands naps and nappies and tantrums. Just wanted to comment to say take your time, lean on family/friends to babysit and you’ll be fine

The main thing single moms have to watch out for is pedophiles who go after YOU just to get access to your children. Be very careful about how much interest in and time they want to spend around your kid - making up excuses to be alone with them, babysitting them, picking them up from school or the babysitter for you, "playing" with them in another room, etc. These guys are master manipulators and once you child has been inappropriately touched, you cannot take it back. Do not be trusting of men at all around your baby. Deal with them 1 on 1 with just you and keep them away from your house and child.

You need to build up an excellent trustworthy babysitting circle.

Some unpleasant men go after single mums because they think they're vulnerable and grateful for any interest, so you need to go into dating with good strong boundaries and belief that you're a catch, not that you should be grateful if a man "takes you on". Also guys who want the home comforts of a ready-made family without contributing much.

The right time is when you're happy in yourself and able to weigh up any potential new relationship against how happy you already are, that you wouldn't accept any old rubbish out of fear of being single.

Very well said @Cimone 🙌🏼 If online dating don’t have a bio stating you are a mum wait until you get talking to someone to tell them. You’ll meet the right one just enjoy these precious moments with your daughter first as it honestly goes so fast 🥲