Many women are attracted to single dads because they are usually more mature and responsible than the guys without kids.
That’s why if you‘re interested in finding someone who is ready for commitment, dating a single dad could be the way to go.
However, there are also certain challenges that come with dating a single dad.
For example, single dads may not have as much time for socializing and going on dates as other guys do because they spent the majority of their free time taking care of their kids.
It‘s also important to remember that children will always come first for a single dad.
If you‘re not ready or willing to deal with the challenges that come with dating a single father, it‘s probably best to look elsewhere.
On the other hand, if you‘re prepared for a little extra responsibility and are interested in finding someone who is both mature and has his life together, meeting and dating single dads can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Where to Meet Single Dads?
Before we take a look at some tips for dating single dads, let‘s take a look at the best places to meet them.
1. Community Events
Your town probably has all sorts of community events going on throughout the year – from parades and festivals to concerts and farmers’ markets.
These make great places to meet single dads so go ahead and strike up a conversation while you‘re both waiting in line for a snow cone or browsing the crafts tables.
2. Park
Spending time at the park is a great way to meet single dads who are also taking advantage of the nice day out with their kids.
3. Sports Practices and Games
From soccer to basketball to swimming, there are plenty of opportunities for you to meet single dads.
If you don‘t have kids yourself, ask a friend or neighbor if you can tag along to their practices or games.
Once you‘re there, it‘ll be easy enough to start chatting with the other parents on the sidelines.
4. Church
There are plenty of great guys at church and some of them are single dads!
Whether you‘re attending services or participating in another church activity, take some time to chat with the fathers you see there.
You never know—you might share more than just your faith in common.
5. Coffee Shops
If you frequent a certain coffee shop near your house or office, chances are you‘ve seen some single dads come through the doors.
Why not take advantage of this and strike up a conversation while you‘re waiting for your orders?
6. Playgrounds
If you have young kids, you probably spend a lot of time at the playground.
And single dads are often there too, taking their kids out to play and blow off some steam.
So say hi next time you see a dad by himself with his kiddo (or two).
7. Online Dating Sites
Another easy way to meet single dads is online on dating sites like eHarmony or Christian Cafe.
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8. While Walking the Dog
Walking the dog is a great way to meet new people, including single dads.
Once you‘re out on your daily stroll, keep an eye out for men walking their dogs and strike up a conversation when you see someone you like.
9. Kids‘ Stores
If you frequent places like The Children‘s Place, Carter‘s, or Toys R Us, chances are you‘ll see some single dads in there with their kids.
These stores are great places to strike up a conversation and get to know them.
10. Zoo
The zoo is always a popular destination for families with young children.
So if you‘re looking to meet a single dad, head on over to the nearest animal kingdom.
You‘re sure to find some fellow single parents there who would love to chat.
11. Amusement Parks
Single dads love spending time with their kids, and what better way to do that than at an amusement park?
Head to your local theme park and you will likely meet a few single dads along the way.
12. Gym
The gym is another excellent place to meet hot single dads.
If you see a guy working out near you on a regular basis, strike up a conversation about equipment or the workout he is doing.
13. Single Parent Meetups
If you‘re not comfortable approaching single dads at school events, gym or playground – there are plenty of other ways to meet them.
For example, many cities have single-parent meetups that provide a comfortable environment to socialize and meet other single parents.
14. Social Media
Social media is a great way to connect with single dads, whether it‘s through Twitter chats, Facebook groups, Reddit, or even just commenting on someone‘s Instagram post.
15. Mall Play Areas
Dads are often taking their kids to the mall for a day of shopping and fun.
Head to the food court or play area, where you can strike up a conversation while your kids have fun together.
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How to Meet and Date Single Dads?
1. Be Open to Meeting Single Dads in Any Situation
Chances are, you won’t find a single dad at a regular hangout or hook-up place like a bar or club.
Instead, you can run into them at the park, the gym, or even the grocery store!
Staying open to the idea of dating a single dad also means that you need to keep in mind that he’s not going to be the only one involved in the relationship.
This includes his kids, his former spouse, ex-in-laws, and his friends and family who may be concerned about his foray back into the dating pool.
There may also be your friends and family who may express concern about the relationship as well.
The rules of dating are also going to be very different when the person you’re dating is a single dad, and you may encounter situations that may be new or strange to you.
Read next: Is Online Dating the Only Way to Meet Someone?
2. Look At Local Events Where Single Parents Might be Present
Many people make the mistake of thinking that you can only find single dads at places dedicated to kids but that’s not always the case.
A lot of single parents, moms, and dads alike, will try to go to places where they don’t necessarily have to be a parent but are still friendly enough for their kids should they come along.
Local events are usually one such option, as they are designed to bring the community together and attract a wide spectrum of people.
Going to such events might be a single dad’s way of taking a break from being a parent and/or his or her only chance to meet someone new.
3. The Kids Will Always be a Priority
Many single parents put their kids first, and you need to keep that in mind if you’re dating a single dad.
This means that your date may have to be put on hold because their kid has the stomach flu or they have to go to parent-teacher conferences instead.
Don’t be upset if they are not okay with inviting you over for dinner or don’t want to spend the night at your place.
Also, don’t expect to meet a single dad’s kids as soon as the relationship starts—they may want to wait until things become a little more serious and then have introductions happen in a controlled environment.
Don’t miss: What to Do If He Doesn’t Want a Relationship?
4. Go Slow When You Starting to Date a Single Dad
Dating a single dad means that you can’t rush through things—and it’s not always because they have kids.
Some single dads are divorced and are just getting back into the dating scene and/or have been seriously burned by their past relationships.
If their marriage ended on bad terms and/or their ex is still a major part of their life, going slow is probably a safe bet.
It may be even more important to go slow if they’re also a widower, as there are issues of timing and their own grief about their marriage that needs to be taken into consideration.
If their relationship with their former spouse lasted a long time, then they may be having trouble remembering the social cues of dating and you should cut them some slack.
Go slow with the relationship and help them out as they adjust.
Read next: 9 Reasons Why It Is Hard For a Successful Woman To Find a Man
5. Have Patience When Dating a Single Parent
Many problems with dating single dads involve a lack of patience on the woman’s part.
Too many people try to treat the situation like regular dating and expect things to work in the same way.
You can’t expect things to progress at a normal pace or try to jump ahead, and then become frustrated when you encounter a detour.
You also can’t constantly blame his kids when something goes awry either.
Remaining patient about all the added bumps that come along with dating a single dad will help to ensure that the relationship lasts.
It will also help should things become serious enough for you to be introduced to his kids and be involved in some capacity with their lives.
Read next: 24 Dating Profile Examples for Mature Women Over 30
