Master Matchmaker Recommends Taking Kids on Dates

There’s no two ways about it - being a single parent and trying to date is complicated. For single moms or dads who are juggling work with family responsibilities, it often comes down to having to choose between spending time with your kids or spending time with your date.

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of the world’s largest bricks and mortar dating service The Right One and Together Dating, “Dating as a single parent can be even more challenging than making a career change. But, you don’t always have to choose one or the other. There’s a third option – bring your child(ren) along on a ‘kid-friendly’ date.”

Falzone recommends single parents bring their child(ren) on a date ONLY if they are comfortable doing so and have been able to get to know their date better. He noted, “If you’ve only been on a couple dates with someone, it’s not the right time. But, if you’ve been dating someone for some time and are comfortable broaching the subject of a ‘kid-friendly’ date – go for it. Your date already knows you’re a single parent and most likely understands your time constraints.”

Falzone, who is the father of two, shares kid-friendly date advice:

* Be sure to consider activities that everyone might enjoy, but that are also age appropriate for the children.

* Check with the child(ren) and your date first, to gauge interest and ensure the day is a success.

* If you decide to go to a restaurant, make sure the atmosphere is casual and kid-friendly.

* Consider going to a playground, mini-golfing or bowling and heading for ice cream afterwards.

* Biking, hiking, sailing, going to the zoo, beach, aquarium or a picnicking the park are “crowd pleasing” activities.

* Amusement parks, water parks and carnivals aren’t just for kids – they bring “the kid” out in everyone.

* Sports it up. Like baseball, hockey or football? Tennis or soccer? Get tickets to a game (pro or amateur) and get in the fan spirit – wear your team hats or shirts, make a banner and so on.

* Rent paddle boats or go kayaking on a lake, river or bay for the day. No need to take on the challenge of level 4 river rapids, just get out and have some fun in the sun.

“There’s no need to take on the role of an activities director with a day-long itinerary. Plan one activity. It also helps to be flexible and have a back-up plan in case that first activity you thought of doesn’t work out. Then, relax and simply enjoy each other’s company for a few hours,” noted Falzone.