10 Reasons To Date A Single Dad

[Anonymous]

When you're on the dating scene, there is no reason to not include single parents in your dating pool.

A man who has raised his kids on his own or mostly on his own is selfless, caring, and loving.

Of course, there are single dads out there who are not worth giving the time of day. But if you come across one who does not bad mouth his children's mother, is accountable for his financial obligations, is involved in his children's lives, and admits his part in his previous relationship not working out; he's a keeper!

1. He Won't Rush Into Things.

Single dads are busy, so when you're dating one you need to understand that his number one priority is his kids! Since he's busy being responsible for other lives, you'll know he won't be desperate bothering you.

2. He's Not Self-Centered

His kids are the center of his world and if you make the cut, you might be too. He's mature and understands that there's more too life than the freshest kicks and a shiny watch.

3. He's Responsible

He might not be able to go on a date when he has the kids for the weekend, but at least you know he's accountable! Plus, you'll have him all to yourself on the other weekends.

4. He Can Be Sensitive

Especially if he's had a daughter and had to participate in a tea party, he has the strength to be soft. He knows there is nothing wrong with a little love and affection. He'll be cool with holding hangs, hugs, kisses, and cuddling.

5. He's A Good Listener

He's listened and talked to his kids talk about the bully at school or their imaginary friends, so he'll be excited to talk to you about more mature topics.

6. He Is Considering You In His Kids' Lives

Single dads keep their guards up. If he keeps you around, there's no greater honor or reassurance that he sees a future with you than when he introduces you to his kids.

7. He Isn't Looking For A Hookup

Single dads don't have time to play or waste, they are in it for the long haul.

8. He's Patient

He's practiced his patience with his kids, so he should have a little left over for you.

9. He Has A Good Sense Of Humor

He'll be the perfect dose of playful and cheesy.

10. He's A Role Model

He knows he has young watchful eyes observing his every move, so he'll always strive to be on his best behavior and a good example.

All of the aforementioned reasons go for a single mom too! So don't discriminate in the dating pool. But also keep in mind not all single dads are dating material...

[WilliamWinslow]

He could also be the totally opposite.

[Paulina528]

Not every single dad is like this.

[Janice25]

Speaking as someone without my own kids, who did it twice (2 year relationship with a man who had a baby, 3 month relationship with a man who had two kids, 2 & 5 years old). Would NEVER do it again. In my experience there comes a time where:

(1) Unless you just want a companion when HE is available to give you attention, and you don't need that romantic "we're in this together and on the same page and this is exciting (at least in the beginning)" kind of love, you will get resentful or feel at least a little neglected at some points.

(2) If you take the time to become invested in his kids (which I did both times - feeding, changing diapers, buying them little gifts, playing with dolls and make-believe, etc)... there is a weird conflict of emotions. I actually felt closer to the kids by the end of the relationships, like more of a genuine connection.

(3 - or #2b) You invest so much of your emotion and a have a sweet kind of innocent love for/ interactions with the kids that when it comes time to having sexy 1 on 1 sexy time with your man in the evening... you don't feel in the mood. I can only compare it your man wanting to you to give him a blow job while watching a cute Disney movie It's really confusing, And I am someone who loves constant sex with my man.

And FYI my dad was a single dad of 2 daughters, He always warned me against dating men with kids. Even he said that it is a lot for someone to take on and warned women who wanted to date him of what they would be getting into.

[Ozanne]

You have great points, but it takes a very different woman to take on the role as the second mother and as being second in a man's life, not something we had a fairytale vision of when we were kids. "Yay, I can't wait to always come last in someone's life!"

Unfortunately, the single dads you mention are so rare to find. Same with the single moms. We are in such a selfish society now where no one can admit responsibility or fault, and a sense of entitlement takes over everything. This goes for the children too, growing up feeling owed.

Years ago, when I tried a dating site, I noticed a man presenting his profile with his teenaged daughter sitting on his lap in a bathing suit. It just seemed weird, and her arms wrapped around him protectively told me that NOTHING, and NO WOMAN was going to be between this creepy bond. Men who are single dads may put their children first, but as parents learning how to fib a bit to calm bad situations with kids should not wag their finger in their woman's face telling them their kids come first.

Every woman wants to feel special and have the primary relationship with her man. To have a constant reminder that we will always be Number Two (the same as being a piece of shit) should just be eliminated from conversation altogether if he expects a woman to give up her dreams of being someone's Number One.

I believe a lot of times when dating a single dad really works is when the woman taking him on is also a single mom. This way they both truly understand each other's situations.

[kitty71]

I agree with you. I doubt a woman will like to be relegated to number 2 because the number one is the guys kids. I believe a single dad will be best dating a single woman beause they both understand perfectly. I mean it is understandable kids are the guys priority but we are his lady we also need to be a priority in his life beacuse we want our times to and feel special. For a single woman to date a single man it can be hard, because we have to know that his kids come first and we come second. I dont want to be last in a single dad relationship. Maybe a friend of mine in his 40s were right he is single, unmarried no kids. and he told me that he prefer to be that way, independent and just date, he does not have patient or time to take care of a kid because he still doing what he likes to do in life. And being single with kids will change all his dreams that are taking place right now.

[Onyx277]

I dated a single dad once and have no desire to do so again. The kid had an awful personality for one, threw things at me, screamed at me, and just overall hated anyone who took some of his dad's attention away from him. He ended up dumping me because the kid didn't like me even though I didn't do anything. I don't ever want to have kids either, so I suppose it's pointless for me to try with a man that already has one.

[immjusttmee]

I don't see anything bad with dating single dads but what matters the most is the children. Your relationship can affect the children and if you guys commit, than not only do you have to be part of his life, but you have to be a role model to the children and perhaps be their stepmom or something. And that's a big commitment so when it comes to dating single dads, it's important to remember that their child is not only going to be affected by that relationship, but the child is also going to affect the relationship as well

[RationalLioness]

Not all single dads are, but there are many who are like this. I think this is where women with children should seek men at.

And for newly divorced women or older women, divorced men are the best kept secret because they have already committed and are likely to do so again as well as the fact that they may/not want more children if you do.

[gray_sailor]

Exactly correct. Very perceptive of you.

I was a single, divorced dad with custody of a 4 year old boy. Nine years ago this month, I married a woman that was single, divorced and had custody of her two daughters ages 10 & 15 years old. To all the world, our blended family looked linke it was entirely organic.

To this day, I have a closer relationship with both my step daughters than they have with their biological father. Go figure.

Thanks for seeing that single divorced dad's bring something to the table.

[joshmoe]

I wouldn't want to be second or third in line to someone I put first, my partner. So since I don't have kids it's not unreasonable to demand that in return. Maybe you should stop focusing on single woman and find a single mom who understands your situation, unless you are being hypocritical and asking for something you can't give in return.

[BaileyisDarcy]

Being a single parent in the dating pool isn't being hypocritical. People are always, and should always put their kids first, it's fine if you can't deal with that but think of it this way, what if you were a single Mum who always put their kid first but wanted to date. Would you like to be left in the cold simply because you can't put your partner before your kids?

[joshmoe]

Baileydarcy your argument is irrelevant. First off I never said being a single parent dating is being hypocritical. Being a single parent looking for single people without kids to accept 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th place in a relationship while you are first in theirs is not only hypocritical but extremely selfish! When you ask for something you cannot give in return, you're looking for help Not love. I have high standards for myself so I can demand the same in my partner, that's not me not being able to deal that's called standards! lol I know it's rare to see in society today but they still exist.

[joshmoe]

Oh yeah and if I were a single mom, I wouldn't be worried about dating because as a completely independent woman, I wouldn't want to bring men in and out of my child's life to simply satisfy my selfish sexual desires.

[abundantlyrich]

Yeah who wants to be treated like second or third party?

[Zendrya]

My dad was a single dad (has a girlfriend now) but he is the best man I know and ever will. He is my rock. So people shouldn't eliminate them because they are divorced with kids.. you don't know what the situation was.

[KFettario]

A single dad is usually mature. He has to be. Remember... it is okay to date a SINGLE dad... not a Married dad.

[LightsOff]

This is cute, but I'm not going to date a single dad. I'd prefer to make a family of my own with someone, instead of trying to merge in with a broken family.

[BaileyisDarcy]

Having only one parent doesn't make a family broken. Just saying.
Having dickish step-parents who don't get along with your real parents make a broken family.

[joshmoe]

@BaileyisDarcy you are clearly missing something. You don't get to change the definition just because you don't like it and it makes you feel bad/angry. lol You can't hate on people who want to have a family of their own instead, then it makes it OK for people to hate on you for having a broken family. Hate begets hate

[BaileyisDarcy]

I'm not hating on you wanting a family of your own, that's perfectly okay and your preference.
I just don't like the term broken family. Really there's nothing broken about it, it just doesn't fit social norm.
And the dickish step-parents thing was just me being grouchy about my own experiences.

[LightsOff]

@BaileyisDarcy but the family IS broken no matter how you look at it. The mother clearly left somehow, either passed away or literally bailed on them. Hence, they're broken. They're not a complete family. I'm sorry you don't like the term, but this is just the way it is.

[complicated_soul]

Some single dads are like this and some are not. Oh and ad for hookups..
I don't agree with that. Lol. Most do look for hookups to take care their needs but yeah, their first priority is the kid. So it is a honor if he let's you in. :)

[BelleGirl21]

Great take. I wish that people could view single moms in this same positive light.

[Anon1999]

I had the exact same thought! Single moms are hardworking as well. I personally wouldn't shy away from dating a woman that already had kids. I don't know why so many guys do.

[BelleGirl21]

It's probably easier missing a limb or having the plague. @anon1999 you are a rare breed.

[Anon1999]

Awe thanks :D I mean a single mom is caring, compassionate, responsible, not co-dependent and typically very appreciative of the smallest things. Kids are a lot of fun to be around and keep your spirit young. Eh maybe it's just me.

[Marinepilot]

It's hard for women to date single dads. I believe it's harder for men to date single mothers. These relationships take a lot of compromise and patience. Some people can accept children who aren't theirs. Most can't. What galls me is when women say a real man can accept and care for another man's kid. I say a real man will say fuck no and walk the other way. Why drive a used car when there are plenty of new cars. If that's harsh, so be it. Most men feel this way.

[Bonnie12I27I12]

this sounds great but as someone whos young i want a guy who doesn't have that kinda background (divorced and kids). i want someone who is at my level so we can go through it together.

[Marinepilot]

That you do.

[Remonster]

I like this take purely to give some counter-weight to all the single mom positivity stuff going on.

That said, I do think many of your points are debatable. It paints a picture that is a bit too ideal. But that's fine as lists often generalize.

[Hannah591]

My reason not to date them is that I don't like kids.

[coffeprince]

Same here! :/

[Ozanne]

Same here.

[Marinepilot]

Good reason.

[abundantlyrich]

Are you writing this because you got left out in the cold? :P Most kids are demanding and selfish. I don't think single dads have time for dating so lest it be a half end effort.. I wouldn't bother.

[joshmoe]

Exactly!

[zombiebabe]

i respect single dads but personally i wouldn't date one because there would be great possibilities that his kids won't like me , the mom of the kids might come around often , and i don't wanna be like the "third wheel" so nope

[Anonymous]

My opinion is not every single dad is the same way. It's actually very hard to enter a relationship with a single dad as he will have baggage and that causes conflicts! Jealousy might happen with the ex contacting him and you will never feel good enough!

[Anonymous]

I'd love to date a single dad but one thing screams out to me... Baby mama drama

[Marinepilot]

As well it should.

[peachblossomluck]

Has anyone ever considered that the relationship may not work out? Say you become attached to the child and now they are no longer in your life. It's a heartbreak.