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A Single Mom’s Guide to Dating

Aug 30, 2023

Jump back into the world of dating with confidence and positivity as a single mom! This is your go-to guide, offering practical tips, honest advice, and empathetic insights for your dating journey, ensuring you make meaningful connections while keeping your priorities aligned.

You're a single mom — brave, resilient, and full of love ❤️ Your kids will always be your number one priority, but maybe lately you’ve been feeling that familiar pull that it’s time you start putting yourself back out there.

The world of dating may seem daunting, but it's time to revive your romantic life with optimism and confidence. Let's navigate this journey together, making it enjoyable, fulfilling, and tailored just for you without losing sight of what matters most 💯

Be Open, But Don’t Lead With It

Look, I get it. In the dating world, the impulse to lay all your cards on the table right away can be strong, especially as a single mom.

It's natural to want to share your parental status upfront to gauge your date’s reaction. I mean, it makes sense because you ARE a package deal — he can’t have one without the other. You want to ensure he’s even interested in being a co-parent, otherwise, you’re both wasting your time.

Despite these temptations, it’s important to resist leading with this aspect of your life.

Let me explain why.

Leading with your motherhood may unintentionally set the tone that it is a “disclaimer” or a potential “issue” in the relationship. Of course, don’t lie about it if it comes up. Honesty is always important.

But it's crucial to remember that your identity is multi-layered; your motherhood is just one part of it. Giving your date the chance to know you — your interests, your passions, your views — allows them to see the wonderful person you are, and it will ultimately make the revelation of your motherhood a natural and seamless part of getting to know you better.

Instead, initiate and engage in conversations that let you and your date explore mutual hobbies, life experiences, and dreams. Let the laughter, shared interests, and connection pave the path for a deeper bond. You are not just a mother, but a woman full of passion, curiosity, and life.

As you have these conversations, the knowledge of your motherhood will unfold organically. When it does, speak of your children with the love and pride that fills your heart 👩‍👧‍👦

This approach allows the relationship and understanding to develop naturally, showcasing your role as a mother as just one beautiful piece of your life. You're not hiding your motherhood but integrating it into a fuller, richer picture of who you are, allowing your potential romantic partner to truly appreciate and embrace every aspect of your life and identity. 

Drop the Limiting Beliefs

Embarking on the dating journey as a single mom may be filled with nervousness and uncertainty. It's completely normal to feel anxious about how your role as a mother might be perceived in the dating world. The responsibility and commitment showcased in your life may seem like a daunting disclosure to potential partners. You might wrestle with thoughts like, “Will anyone want to date me when they find out I have children?” or “Will my children be seen as excess baggage?”

While these fears and limiting beliefs are common, don’t let them dim your light. Understand that everyone has aspects of their lives that they worry about sharing with potential partners. Realize that these thoughts are just fears, not reality. Your life as a mother showcases your depth, strength, and caring nature — attributes that are incredibly attractive and valuable in a relationship.

If you project the energy that your potential romantic partner is having to settle for you, then they’ll feel the same way.

Shake off the fear and remember your worth. Don’t allow doubts to cloud your aura. Radiate positivity and confidence, attracting people who appreciate and value you for the incredible person you are.

When doubt creeps in, counteract it with affirmations of your value and worth. Remind yourself of the love and warmth you bring into the lives of those around you. Embrace your identity with pride and let that confidence radiate from within. Your positivity and confidence will be a beacon, drawing people who recognize and are drawn to your inner and outer beauty 🌞

And if you come across someone who doesn’t appreciate this aspect of your identity, then that’s okay. Keep it moving because your kids are your number one priority. Plus, there’s someone out there who WILL love and embrace everything about you.

Make Dating a Priority

This one’s tough, especially for single moms, but your busy schedule shouldn’t push dating to the backseat.

You’ve got to stop sitting around and waiting for something to happen to you ⏰ Finding a supportive partner is something you have to make happen; it’s not something that just magically falls from the sky.

So, put the work in, make an effort, and put yourself out there. Do your best to balance your parenting responsibilities while also making some time for yourself to find love. Trust me, you deserve it, and it will only be beneficial for your kids in the long run, as long as it’s done correctly.

Other Tips

Let's delve into additional insights and tips to further empower your journey and ensure it aligns with your life’s dynamics and priorities.

  • Follow the Dating Stages: Adopt a systematic dating routine. Start with light texts, progress to phone calls, then video chats, and finally a brief face-to-face meeting. This gradual approach helps in building a solid connection while ensuring comfort and compatibility. Note: For a more detailed explanation of how to progress, consider my full “Dating 101” course for structured guidance through each dating stage.
  • Online Dating and Social Media: Utilize online dating platforms to broaden your horizons. It’s a practical and efficient way to meet diverse people, increasing your chances of finding someone compatible. Ensure your social media profiles are a true mirror of your vibrant life, portraying an honest and appealing image.
  • Don’t Rush to Introduce the Kids: Ensure your relationship is robust and stable before bringing your children into the picture. It’s a significant step, demanding patience, assessment, and mutual readiness. Give ample time to evaluate the bond, ensuring it’s strong and positive before involving your children. It’s about their comfort and happiness as much as yours.

Wrap Up:

So today, we learned the importance of:

✅ Timing: It's essential to let your motherhood unfold naturally in conversations. Remember, it's a significant part of who you are, not a disclaimer or a warning. The bond and attraction should grow organically, keeping the conversation light, enjoyable, and real.

Shedding Limiting Beliefs: It's normal to feel nervous, but remember to shake off the fear and remember your worth. You are a person of strength, love, and resilience. Counteract doubts with affirmations of your value and worth, radiating positivity and confidence.

✅ Making Dating a Priority: Despite a busy schedule, ensure to make time for your love life. It’s about finding balance and ensuring you’re putting the effort into finding a supportive and loving partner.

✅ Navigating Additional Aspects: Following systematic dating stages, utilizing online platforms, and ensuring not to rush in introducing your kids are key elements for a seamless dating experience.

Remember to prioritize your needs, and boundaries, and always put yourself and your children first. Your journey is unique, and embarking on it requires clarity, confidence, and the joy of new beginnings.

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