The difficulties single parents have in the dating world are no secret. Dating is often difficult enough without including little ones in the picture and to win the heart of the parent usually means that you must first win the heart of the child.

Though dating single parents is in many ways similar to dating those without children, there are some significant differences which may change your usual style. Many of the very best dating tips or guidelines that have proven successful will still apply, though you may need to tweak them a little.

Timing and Planning:

Right away you may notice that a single parent has a lot less free time in which the two of you can get to know each other one on one. Going out to clubs or bars, even the wrong kind of movie, may prove to be a rare event. In order to spend a fair amount of time together you may need to change the locations in which you meet and the activities that you can do together.

Considering that it will probably be necessary for you to develop a good relationship with the child, or children, this may not prove to be an inconvenience, but a chance for you to show your own parenting skills. Having a few places in mind that will appeal to children might be a key move in your next discussion:

* Parks provide the opportunity for children to play, picnic and even go swimming if the weather allows.

* Zoos allow for both an exciting outing and some educational time

* Movies today often provide some jokes for the parents in the audience even if they are aimed at children.

* Crafting workshops in which children are able to build their own toy, followed by a delicious lunch may provide a great afternoon of fun.

Attention and Caution:

There is fine line between wanting to get to know a child and using the child to get to the parent and most single parents will be highly suspect if you try to overdo it. Paying attention to what kind of interests the child has may prove useful in the future, such as bringing just the right toy for a birthday present, but remember that romance cannot be bought with toy trucks and dolls alone. Some parents are also very particular about when gifts are to be given and though this may not mesh with what your parents taught you it is important to respect the rules in place.

Another very important aspect of dating a parent is that because so much of their life is likely to revolve around their child the moments when they have some grownup time will be carefully spent. When given the opportunity to take out your new love interest make sure that you take the time to make it special in some way.

When a parent is has only recently become single the struggle to get back into the dating world may be even more difficult. Though not necessarily a given, many single parents have had some experience with serious relationships and are therefore more knowledgeable about relationships than those that have never been involved in a serious commitment. Any kind of unpleasantness, a death of a spouse or a nasty divorce may even leave the parent feeling overly guarded or skeptical of any kindness towards them or their child. For this reason it is often wise to allow your new sweetheart to set the pace and not to push anything that seems to make them uncomfortable.

Teenagers and Older Children:

Teenagers present an entirely different problem when it comes to dating parents. In many cases teenagers struggle with the idea that their parent has a love life and may not want to have anything to do with you as the love interest. In today's society where so many teen as well as adult parents exist, the teenager may feel that they are equipped with enough knowledge to be the head of the household and may therefore react to your presence as a parent would to suitor of their own children.

Many other possibilities exist in this situation which could make dating more difficult than usual. It is uncommon for most teenagers to react well when their parents date, but it is important to keep in mind that many of the reasons for this reluctance have little or nothing to do with you. A common cause for this dislike might be that the teenager still has hopes of reuniting their parents, or perhaps simply does not think it right that their parent should be dating anyone.

Children of all ages may also experience a little jealousy when another person begins to become important to their parent. This may prove especially true for those children who have lost a parent due to death or abandonment.

Fragile Relationships:

The fear of most single parents in the dating world isn't just that they will get their own hearts broken, but that their children will become very close with a person who may eventually not be there anymore. It is very important not to become too close with a child of single parent unless you intend to maintain that relationship regardless of whether or not the romantic aspirations you have for the parent continues. Many parents may not allow you to continue such a relationship if things go badly, but to know that you are willing with their approval will mean a lot to the child.

Choosing to enter into a relationship with single parent can mean a great deal of responsibility on your part and this may not always prove to be the most appealing arrangement for romance. If you should find out that a person you have a romantic interest in is a parent, take the time to consider your level of commitment before pursuing any kind of relationship. Though some single parents may only be looking for a very casual relationship, the question of whether or not you can handle more will likely come up at some point and when it does it helps to know exactly what you feel capable of.

In the end a match like this may provide you with the love of your life and a child you couldn't love anymore if it was your own. Though the responsibility and the pressure may be more than you originally bargained for, you may surprise yourself with both what you're capable of and what truly makes you happy.