Until you reach your senior years, if you're a guy in the dating world you're going to end up dating a woman with children. It will happen. Of course, you may decide that's not for you. If you are willing to date a woman with children there are some how to's to keep in mind.
You may think, "What's so different? I'm dating her, the babysitter is watching them". Nothing could be further from the truth. No matter what the children's ages you'll have to relate to them sooner or later, and whether you do that successfully or not may determine whether you get to continue dating that woman with children or not.
Even if your date is a woman who doesn't have full custody of her children, or whose children are old enough that they only come home on college vacations and summer breaks, that woman and her children come as a package. You date the mother, you must relate to the children. That's a fact.
Of course, it's important that your date's children like you. That may prove more difficult than you expect, depending on their ages, and the length of time since the father walked out - or was thrown out - of the picture. Looking like a potential competitor to the father that that child daydreams will come back home and make a family again, is not going to make you popular.
On the other hand, especially if it's a male child, the longer the father is gone, the more they begin to think of themselves as "the man of the house" and the more they resent having to share the attentions of their mother with you.
The best thing you can keep in mind as you think of how to date a woman with children is not to try too hard to make a good impression with the kids. Don't be phony, don't talk down to them, and don't buy them lavish gifts and toys. Just be yourself, put yourself out there gradually as a potential friend and after many successful dates with the mother it's okay to suggest an outing with the kids, and occasional a small gift. Perhaps a fast game of basketball or scrabble, or reading to a small child while mom finishes getting ready for a night on the town can break through the barriers the child or children have built faster than any phone "Let's be best friends" gesture you can make.
Children have more smarts about your relationship with their mom and their mom's relationship with their dad than you might think. When the opportunity arises comfortably tell them you're happy they get to see their dad often. Tell them you're open to a good friendly relationship with them, that you love their mother (if you do) and that you'll never try to replace their father in their hearts.
That, then, is how to date a woman with children.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when you and your friend ask ...
By: kall | 31-08-2008
what does it mean when you and your friend ask both of your dream girls out to dacne and one says yes and the other says no bnut the one who said no makes passes at the guy who asked her and the one who said ys makes passes at the guy who asked her as well what does that mean since both of them make glances and passes at each us during and after the dance?
What does it mean when you and your friend ask ...
By: kall | 31-08-2008
what does it mean when you and your friend ask both of your dream girls out to dacne and one says yes and the other says no bnut the one who said no makes passes at the guy who asked her and the one who said ys makes passes at the guy who asked her as well what does that mean since both of them make glances and passes at each us during and after the dance?
I am torn between 2 men that are totally opposit ...
By: supersad | 28-08-2008
I am torn between 2 men that are totally opposit of each other. One of them is my ex-husband of 17 yrs and high school sweetheart, we have 2 beautiful daughters and anything we ever wanted. He wasn't perfect by no means but I know that he loved me alot. I met someone else who treats me like gold and is a wonderful man, however we struggle financially and I work at a job that I hate. We have been together 6 yrs now. My ex and I have talked about getting back together someday. I don't want to hurt either one or myself but I know its coming. I have never felt so lost in my entire life. How does someone make these decisions and what should I ask myself?
Slept with my boyfriends brother before we dated.
By: sally | 27-08-2008
I slept with my boyfriends younger brother a few times before we started dating. I can't explain to him why because I really don't know why. He knew about this before we started dating yet he brings its up all the time like he just found out. Is there any solution for us to overcome this?
Seducing a girl??
By: BibianaKirax | 27-08-2008
Seducing a girl???
Okay, Me and my mother go to my grandma's apartment complex every weekend to take care of her. My mom usually lets me go outside and hang out with my friends. I am bisexual, and one of my girl friends is too. We both like each other "like that" and I do know how to go about asking her if she wants to "explore." Her step-sister keeps teasing us playfully about the subject, and is making the girl I like more uncomfortable about it. I want to kiss her and fool around a bit, but I don't have anywhere to go to do that. Could someone tell me where we could go to be alone and what I could do or say to make her more comfortable and to get her to do "stuff" with me? Also, If you're homophobic, don't bother answering my question. I didn't ask for crap.
Does he like me?
By: sutherngal | 26-08-2008
How do I know if this guy really likes me or am I reading into something that's not there? This guy at work always asking me how I am doing and when I say fine he asks are you sure and when I say yes he goes on he doesn't ask anyone else this. Now I am dreaming about him, last night I dreamed he bought me a drink. My other dreams are usually the same that we go out or something to that nature. Am I wanting him to like me or does he really like me and knows that we can't date because he is my boss.
Is it possible to keep a relationship for 6-8years ...
By: lOvePiNk21 | 26-08-2008
Is it possible to keep a relationship for 6-8years and then get married?
Im confused
By: selam | 25-08-2008
there is a guy whom im dating, i liked him but i dont know if he likes me or not, we go out 3-4 times, he asks me to help him in shoping, he never calls me in my name or nick name he prefers to call me baby, or gorgious etc.. he texts me, calls me and asks my opinion, still i have a fear that he doesnt like me and i sometimes feel that he is acting. im confused to stop or go on with him, because i dont want to have a wrong assumtion and hurt my self at the end.
Any singles dances or the like, near cape cod?
By: jan | 24-08-2008
any singles dances or the like, near cape cod?
Thank you for helping me. Are there any seventy ...
By: William | 24-08-2008
Thank you for helping me.
Are there any seventy years old plus that live somewhere in my area that wants to meet someone and make love ? I live in blacksburg s.C. 29702. Thank you so much for your help. Even if i can e mail some women old as at least seventy plus.
Sincerely william
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Dating Articles
What Men Find Attractive in Women- Secrets to Attracting Guys
By: Tony Smith | 05/09/2008
What are some things men find attractive in women? The answer is simple. What I'm going to do is share with you what men find attractive in women. And some secrets to attracting guys. That way, you can attract true love into your life. You deserve a good man and love.
4 Easy Tips To Picking Up Women
By: Joe Mathias | 05/09/2008
Learn how to pick up the women you've always wanted with these 4 easy tips.
Gay Dating Agencies - Why Is It That Nice Guys Are Losers?
By: David Silurban | 05/09/2008
Why is it that you do not get in return all that you think you truly deserve from a relationship, in spite of being the NICEST guy around town? Do you want to know why being a nice guy isn't so nice after all, especially if you wish to sustain the interest of an attractive gay date? Read on to know why all your NICENESS is driving away that cutie.
Get Through Being Dumped: How to Start Over Again
By: Chris Roberts | 05/09/2008
The first thing you have to do is think ahead and stop living in the past. Do accept the mistakes you made and learn from them, such that you don’t repeat them in the future. Blaming and trying to find out what you could have done differently, maybe better, is not healthy. Accept your past, and move on positively.
Standing Up: You’re on Your Own After Being Dumped
By: Chris Roberts | 05/09/2008
The choice is yours; you can remain stuck in your rut, or you can make it easier on yourself. It happens to all of us at one point or another in our lives. How we then get through this messy situation will have either a negative or positive impact on our future.
I Can’t Forget Him!
By: Chris Roberts | 05/09/2008
Ever been through a phase in your life when these phrases filled your mind? Did you ever cry yourself to sleep thinking that you can’t just forget about him and let him go? If you have, then you have been influenced to believe in the idea of ‘THE ONE’.
Free Internet Dating to Find Love - the Way of the Future in Relationships
By: Ingrid Margaret | 05/09/2008
This article talks about using free internet dating to find someone special by using these sites for online dating and making friends or developing relationships on the internet.
Can I find someone to meet with these types of sites?
Actually using a free internet dating site, you can indeed find love....
When To Introduce Your Kids To A New Friend
By: Rodrigo Rehn | 05/09/2008
Dating with kids can be very difficult. Not only do you need to find the date, you need to make sure that the person that you are dating is okay with you having children.
Relationships 
