Single Parent Dating with God's Guidance

A new relationship can be exciting and fun. But, when you are a parent, it can be very complicated.

If you are separated or divorced, you may have thought about dating again. It’s natural to want to love someone and be loved again. The newness of the relationship and the thrill of meeting someone new can be overwhelming for you and even your children.

Children are confused enough by divorce and separation, so be careful when introducing new people into their world. It is imperative to openly acknowledge that your children are gifts God’s given to you and that their childhoods are too short to miss.

Dating is fine. But meeting someone who understands that you are a mom or dad first and that your children will always be your priority is very important.

It is also important to guard your heart. The hurt of a bad relationship and the feelings and even bitterness it can cause inside of you can also effect your children and how they view love.

A dysfunctional relationship will not only bring you pain, but also your children. Kids never want to see a parent hurting.

God wants us to be with who he has planned for our lives. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that it is the person you have a child with. It could be a death or divorce. Regardless, God gives grace to each of us to live out our lives under His love.

If you are single parent thinking about dating again, here are some key points to consider.

• Be careful who you choose. Steer clear of anyone who is suspicious. Lean on your discernment when it comes to introducing new people into your children's lives. Love can be blind, so force yourself to listen to godly counsel from friends and family on the issue.

• Find someone who shares the same beliefs as you. This is truly important in any relationship. Making it non-negotiable that your date believe and serve God will save you and your family heartache down the road.

• Bad company corrupts good character. We all like to think we can be someone’s saving grace, but the truth is we can be pulled down in the process. Don’t let any negative influences enter your family’s lives. Looking for a person with a network of God-serving friends and family will help.

• Beware of demanding and co-dependent dates. If you find that the person you are dating is eating away a lot of your time, you are having to use a babysitter more and more for the constant dates, or they don’t like the idea of spending time with your children, reconsider who you are dating.

• Being single is hard. We all want to have someone in our lives. Being a single parent can even more difficult. Our children are gifts from God. Keep serving Him and your family in priority and everything else will fall into place.

• Wait on God. We know as Christians that God has our lives in his hands and has plans for each of us. If we wait on God and pray that He will bring us the right person, then we must have faith that He always will. This goes for teenagers, young adults and everyone who is seeking Mr. or Mrs. Right.