I think every single parent should print this out so they can read it again and again. GREAT INFORMATION.

Single Parent Dating: 7 Ways to Ease Kids' Anxiety
By Michele Germain

Thinking of jumping into the dating game? If you have children, dating after loss of a loved one or divorce can be complicated. Get tips from a licensed therapist on how to help your kids with the transition.
When parents date, it often creates anxiety in children and teens. The changes and losses children have experienced may cause them to feel jealous and insecure. They may become uncooperative, withdrawn, and rebellious or over-attached to you, the parent. Each child, depending on age and personality, will react differently to dating, but it is important to understand that most kids struggle with two main feelings: Children fantasize that their parents will be reunited, so they don't want their other parent replaced; and children fear losing your love and attention and believe they will become less important.
These strong feelings are seldom expressed openly, so it's critical to be prepared and act in a way that helps your kids adjust to your dating and share their feelings.
Here are seven ways you can ease your child's concerns and anxiety:
1. Keep them close. Give your children reassurance that they are loved and your relationship with them will not change. A child who feels secure is less likely to feel frightened. Now is the time to set aside special time with each child, even if it is only 15 minutes a day. Quality time tells the child you are paying attention and he or she is important. This time is for them; do not burden your children with adult issues or adult feelings. Don't use them as surrogate partners, friends, or little therapists.
2. Hear them out. Allow your children to express all of their feelings about your dating, positive or negative. Listen and show concern, and do not be reactive by yelling, judging, or criticizing. They can better adjust to the situation if they feel their needs and sensitivities are being recognized. Helping them to express their anger or frustration without doing damage is the goal. Once they are allowed to express their feelings they are more likely not to act out inappropriately.
3. Date discreetly. Avoid introducing your children to your casual dating relationships. Children can get attached easily and suffer more loss. Introducing a series of casual dates to your children will only cause them more anxiety and ambivalence. Immediately following a divorce or breakup it is wise to limit your dating or be discreet to avoid confusing and burdening your children.
4. Set expectations. When it is time to make introductions, do not force children to accept your date. Go slowly. Talk to your children ahead of time as to how you expect them to behave. It is important always to teach your children to respect others and to be kind. They do not have to like someone to be respectful.
5. Lead by example. Be mindful of your sexual morals and remember you are always a role model. Children do what you do more than what you say. Keep in mind that teens are struggling with their own emerging sexuality and have trouble dealing with a parent's sexuality. These are individual choices made according to your children's needs.
6. Set boundaries. Do not let your date exert authority over your children. Your children will respond to you better than your significant other until there is sufficient time for integration into the family. Always set appropriate boundaries with your children; disciplining in front of your significant date is appropriate.
7. Consider counseling. Counseling can help to integrate families or if you have a significant partner that you are spending considerable time with. Blending families is challenging, especially when children are carrying around unresolved grief associated with the loss of a parent. Counseling gives everyone an opportunity to be seen and heard, and facilitates the adjustment phase of families coming together. Sooner than later is better.
Being single with children has its own set of challenges and can be demanding and exhausting. And as a single parent, you can be confused as to how to parent and date at the same time. Keep in mind that communication is always the goal. We want to let go of blaming, angry outbursts, silence, withdrawal or acting out, all of which can occur in families, either by you or your children. Being sensitive to one another and respectful of your needs as well as your children's needs is what will bring families together. Healthy talk is the way to get there.

http://www.babyzone.com/mom_dad/single_parent/article/single-parent-dating-ease-anxiety