As a single parent one is faced with a parody of challenges. It often becomes difficult to manage time. Ideally there would be time for work, spending time with children, having a little time for yourself as well as time to foster friendships as well as new relationships. So often, however, we are only able to find time for work and children and the rest falls to the wayside. At the end of the day it is just nice to be able to fall into bed and relax a bit before falling asleep. Fostering friendships takes energy and time, both of which we run out of quickly. So the question is posed, if it is difficult to even find time for friendships is it possible to be able to make the time for dating?
Yes, it is possible to make time for dating. It will not happen unless you free up some time and find a way to allow it to happen though. Only you will know when it is the right time to start looking for a new relationship and when it is your time a well-executed plan will help.
1. Find friends and / or family who are supportive and would be willing to watch your children occasionally for you to go on a date.
2. Hire a regular babysitter and allot certain times that you will be available for a date each week.
3. Find other single parents in your area and trade off babysitting for each other
4. If your children spend time with their other parent, try to schedule your dates during those times to eliminate the need for a babysitter
5. Start off with lunch dates while kids are in school
Finding time is not always easy and finding people to help can be challenging. Having as many options in place as you can will ensure you have a bit of flexibility so that when the time does come for you to start dating you will be able to manage it more effectively and with less stress.