So, any single parents out there, how do you manage dating and starting/having a relationship? I am a full time Dad and it seems to put a strain on that activity. His mother lives 8 hours away, so he has custody of me all the time. Suggestions? Advice?

A good reliable babysitter, patience, patience and more patience and flexibility. It's not easy but it is doable. And it's healthy for your child(ren) to see you in a healthy relationship. Caveat, though, please don't bring every date you have into your kids lives, wait until you know it's a serious relationship. Having been there, done that as a kid, it's painful and confusing to have a lot of people come and go.

I guess that you are right. I am "picky" about when the kids (if ever) meet someone I am dating. I really don't need a babysitter, he is 15 but has only lived here since July. I just want to make sure that I balance my time. I don't want him to think that I am out having fun every weekend, etc. I just have to make sure that whomever I date understands that I am not available 24-7.

Thanks for the input SuzinVA, it is appreciated.

If he's 15 allow him to se you have a life, while acting fatherly still. With that said I never have dated, yet. I've been waited for my divorce papers..this week and then moving very slowly. I puposely waited for my son, to go to college. That was ahangup I had, and maybe not a wise choice.

My parents dated after their divorce, and introduced us, when it became serious. Though I do remember once when my father was 35, dating a much younger girl. He was very protective, but must of known her well. I begged him to allow me to spend the night at her place & he gave in. I was 12. I did then and still do have a lot of respect, for my dad!

Shaden,
Thank you as well. I guess that I feel a little guilty. He lived with his mother up until last July and since moving here he has grown into a better person. He should have been with me much longer ago, but we all know how that goes.

It was a challenging change for me, from being solo, but I am sure that I will slowly manage to find someone with patience.

I have dated but after a couple of weeks I have to explain that my son is not a pet that can be left alone every day and every weekend.

OMG, that's exactly how I feel. I have my daughter full-time (her father passed away) and it is so hard to get people to understand this point. Not to mention that mine is only 9 so I need advanced notice so I can find a babysitter.

It's going very slow but I'm not complaining. I've been single for most of her life so being single doesn't bother me. But it sure would be nice to find someone that I can share special times with. Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with my daughter, but I know there has got to be more to life besides Hannah Montana

I am the same way. Explain you are a package deal and if not say ba-bye. No one is worth your time if they can't understand your priorities. So sorry I did not see this earlier...Was off the site for a time.