Benefits of Dating a Single Parent
I originally wrote this article on July 10, 2014.
After reading my three posts about dating and supporting a single parent, you might be wondering ‘What are the benefits of dating a single parent versus a kid-free adult?’
Good question! I will speak to this from the perspective of a conscious and very-involved, attached parent. Of course, one doesn’t have to have children in order to offer similar traits and circumstances:
They simply are awesome: You need to really like and admire the person for who they are and what they value. And you need to enjoy talking to them and being in their presence. These feelings need to be very strong and undeniable, otherwise don’t waste anyone’s time. Hopefully, this is your biggest motivator for dating this person.
Best of both worlds: If you like time and space to yourself, in the peace of your own home, you could still have this plus a deep, close and committed relationship with a single parent.
Dedicated: Single parents are very dedicated to that which is, and those whom are, in their life; after all, parenting a child is signing up for at least an eighteen-year responsibility with (usually) no healthy option to walk away or give up. They are determined to make things work out for themselves and their family out of pure love and necessity.
Keeping it real: Because of the demands of parenting, the parent is always learning ways to streamline, simplify and let go of that which they don’t love and doesn’t work. Generally, the result is no-bullshit, no games, and what-you-see-is-what-you-get.
Deep and authentic: Some parents have been able to grow and learn to a place of depth and authenticity as a result of being depended and relied on for not only physical needs, but emotional, mental and spiritual well-being as well.
Deal and heal: There is no hiding from issues when being an involved parent: children are like mirrors. So conscious parents will deal with, and heal from, each issue as it comes up.
Be inspired: If you are inspired by people who trouble-shoot, function well under pressure and with many interruptions; protect and are loyal to those who matter to them at all costs; stretch beyond what they thought was possible; yet manage to create lives they love, perhaps a single parent will inspire you.
Strong bond and value: If you value being an ally to someone with whom you are close, a single parent deeply appreciates when someone authentically-caring is there for them–especially when they don’t have anyone else helping them out (even just listening and talking can be a lifesaver and provide some relief to their day). This could create a really strong, trusting, valuable bond for you both.
Define your involvement: Also, in being an ally to the parent, you can choose in what areas you want to be supportive—à la carte so to speak. You’re not the other biological/adoptive parent or ex-partner. You are someone new, in a new relationship which you both can form together. Likely you both have learned much from your past relationships and you are going into this new relationship with maturity and wisdom.
A part of the future: If you have wanted a loving family or you appreciate the parent-child dynamics and raising the future generation, this could be a reality for you in dating a single parent.
Personal growth: You, yourself, can heal, learn and grow by being close with someone who has all of the above. Your life can become richer, fuller, and more fulfilling.
Check out my other Single Parent articles:
Warmly,