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Perhaps the first most important step before stepping back into the dating scene is to ask yourself: am I ready to date again? Sometimes the loneliness or hurt of a recent past relationship drives us to seek out new love before we're ready. This is particularly important for dating single parents, who must be able to devote a significant amount of their emotional resources to their children at all times as well. Do you feel happy again? Are you more or less content alone versus feeling like you need to have someone new in your life? Do you have friends, a social network of your own for love and support for you and your children?

Getting your groove back
Oftentimes, single parents ready to date just don't know where to begin. Their lives are full with work and family obligations, and their styles too mature for the younger "singles scene". Put together a profile on some trusted online dating sites like lavalife, plentyoffish, match or eHarmony. Start a Facebook and MySpace page as well to connect with people in your area and find local events. Sometimes just the process of creating a dating profile helps you think about yourself in ways that probably haven't crossed your mind in a while. What are your interests? Do you have any flattering photos? Remember how to attract the opposite sex, how to flirt and, most importantly, remember who you are as a man or woman, not just a Mom or Dad.

Your kids are NOT baggage!
Dating as a single parent is a whole new world. Although you're "you" again, you can't ignore your current reality and responsibilities. Nor should you forget for a moment that you are a proud parent, and that your role has no doubt contributed many wonderful learning and growth experiences to your life as a person; making you caring, loving, responsible and giving.

Be honest on any profile you create about your parenting status. Even more important, be honest with yourself: are you looking for fun or a serious relationship? Naturally you want to have fun and enjoy dating, but if you believe that you want a new romance to lead to a serious relationship, then it only makes sense to evaluate all potentials on their "kid friendliness". If someone you're going to meet definitely doesn't like, want or wouldn't be happy around children, then do not go there. Too many dating single parents find themselves developing crushes on new flames which are doomed to end in conflict and sadness when they realise that the relationship has limited potential. And don't ever think

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