Although the Internet has lots of dating advice, dating tips for single moms sometimes don’t make sense. It’s a completely different world of dating when you’re a parent with a child or children at home. It complicates things ten-fold, and emotions like guilt or confusion only add to the mix. After talking to lots of single mothers of children of all ages, I’ve put together these dating tips for single moms to help make the world of dating less confusing and more successful.
Ease Your Kids Into It
When you’re ready to begin dating, ease into it with your kids. Don’t suddenly make a bomb-shell announcement like, “Mommy’s going to go on a date. This is really important.” This will guarantee resentment. Simply mention that you are going out with a friend when you have a first date. After all, this is all it is at this point.
Enjoy Your Date
Once you’ve decided to go on a date with a man, commit yourself to focusing on it and enjoying it fully. That means not calling the baby sitter every half hour to check in. If you aren’t ready to trust someone to watch the kids while you enjoy an evening out focused on enjoying yourself and getting to know someone, you shouldn’t be dating yet. You’ll also send huge signals to the man you’re with that you aren’t ready to start a relationship of any type.
Don’t Look at Your Date as a Potential Parent – Yet
Here’s a dating tip for single moms that also applies to single guys with kids: your first date should be about whether you like the person you’re out with. Don’t look at him like he’s a potential new parent for your kids – it’s way too early for that. It won’t matter if you end up deciding he isn’t right for you, and you don’t want to put too much pressure on him all at once. You just might scare the right man away before he has the chance to prove himself this way.
Avoid Competition
Don’t sacrifice traditional family activities for the sake of a date. If Sundays are always set aside for pancakes and bacon with your kids, don’t start making Sunday plans with a man you’re dating after just a few weeks – it sets an unhealthy precedent for a sense of competition between your children and your date.
Introducing Him to Your Kids
If you do establish a significant relationship, begin introducing him to your children little by little. Short, fun activities so that everyone can relax and enjoy getting to know one another are a good start. Neutral territory (a family restaurant or perhaps the zoo) is best at first. You can add including your new suitor in family activities after your children have grown comfortable with him.
Men to Avoid
As your children get to know him, make sure that the man you’re dating accepts your children just as they are. He shouldn’t try to discipline or change them – that’s not his job. If he becomes critical of your children or of your parenting style, it’s time to end it.
Make the Rules Clear from the Start
Your children will always come first. It’s one of the most important dating tips for single moms I know of. If the man you’re dating doesn’t understand this now, he won’t later. Some men will commend you for this and agree whole-heartedly – these are the mature, loving ones. Other men will feel like this puts them in “second place,” and they will probably never love your children like they should be loved because he will see them as competition for your time and affection.
Don’t Lean on the Man You’re Dating Too Soon
Any serious relationship is a big step, and you never want to confide everything or rely on the person you’re dating too early on. This dating tip for single moms applies to any single (don’t cry about ex’s, your parents, etc. on the second date), but it is particularly true for singles moms who are dating. He may be perfectly wonderful, but even the strongest, most compassionate man will be frightened if you spend your third date discussing details of your child’s adjustment problems in third grade or your concerns about whether your teenage daughter is drinking. These are serious matters, and should only be discussed once a serious relationship is established.
Let Your Dates be About You and Him
He may come to love your children completely, but the person he asked out was you. Remember to talk about things beyond parenting.
I hope you also remember to have a good time on your dates – remember, you’re not only a mom, you’re also a vibrant single woman! If you keep this in mind as well as the above dating tips for single moms, you’ll have a wonderful time now and in the future – and you may find someone who is good for you and your children!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Urban
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Successful Small Business - The Top Three Requirements
Passion
Entrepreneurship is about being truly and fully passionate about a product or service. It doesn't matter what your passion is, whether it's chocolate, IT, cleaning houses, dust balls, cats, video, matchmaking or information. If you have a genuine and heart felt passion that is half the battle in starting and seeing through a business. Go for it! Start now!
Perseverance
Without perseverance an entrepreneur will undoubtedly fail. I believe perseverance is the single most important trait an entrepreneur can possess. And if he/she lacks perseverance then they need someone to inspire / support them. Perseverance includes believing in yourself and rising above the financial challenges, competition, time constraints and dozens of other challenges. Without the support of my wife (who is a successful entrepreneur with two businesses) I would have possibly folded up my business. Since I am now seeing results, that would have been a colossal mistake.
Always Understand The Competition
Bill Gates has stated that the most important contribution to his success is understanding the competition. If you don’t understand the competitions focus and strategy, you'll soon find yourself bleeding customers to them. Always, always, keep on top of what your competitors are doing. Never underestimate them.
1 Passion
2 Perseverance
3 Always Understand The Competition
Please consider this article for your website, blog or ezine. Permission to reprint if by-line stays intact and links are activated on the Internet.
Terry Vermeylen is one of those rare people that is passionately driven to help others unlock their own barriers toward fulfillment, meaning and purpose. He is the founder of http://www.mylifechanges.com/, an Internet value identification and goal setting enterprise.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Vermeylen
Entrepreneurship is about being truly and fully passionate about a product or service. It doesn't matter what your passion is, whether it's chocolate, IT, cleaning houses, dust balls, cats, video, matchmaking or information. If you have a genuine and heart felt passion that is half the battle in starting and seeing through a business. Go for it! Start now!
Perseverance
Without perseverance an entrepreneur will undoubtedly fail. I believe perseverance is the single most important trait an entrepreneur can possess. And if he/she lacks perseverance then they need someone to inspire / support them. Perseverance includes believing in yourself and rising above the financial challenges, competition, time constraints and dozens of other challenges. Without the support of my wife (who is a successful entrepreneur with two businesses) I would have possibly folded up my business. Since I am now seeing results, that would have been a colossal mistake.
Always Understand The Competition
Bill Gates has stated that the most important contribution to his success is understanding the competition. If you don’t understand the competitions focus and strategy, you'll soon find yourself bleeding customers to them. Always, always, keep on top of what your competitors are doing. Never underestimate them.
1 Passion
2 Perseverance
3 Always Understand The Competition
Please consider this article for your website, blog or ezine. Permission to reprint if by-line stays intact and links are activated on the Internet.
Terry Vermeylen is one of those rare people that is passionately driven to help others unlock their own barriers toward fulfillment, meaning and purpose. He is the founder of http://www.mylifechanges.com/, an Internet value identification and goal setting enterprise.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Vermeylen
Using Simpleology for Effective Time Management
Introduction
As entrepreneurs, we all suffer from lack of time. Those just starting out have it the worst, if only because they need to dedicate time to an active professional life as well as any entrepreneurial activities they might also be doing.
It's very easy to do the math. If a person is working 8 hours a day, and has a family life, there will be very little waking time left to dedicate to that third pillar of their existence. They can not, however, turn it off. It is always there, probing our consciousness and begging for attention.
Based on the assumption that it is simply not going away, and that we will eventually use our entrepreneurial sprit to succeed, it makes sense to try and use the 2 hours per day we can dedicate to it in an effective manner. Managing this time appropriately will ensure we get the most out of it.
On top of the scarcity of our entrepreneurial time, there is the probability that we will be dedicating ourselves to it at a time of day when we typically have little energy left (early morning or late evening). For those that fall into the small percentage of people for whom this does not present a problem, imaging giving yourselves an instant boost at this critical time of day!
What is Simpleology?
To explain this, I'll borrow a phrase from Simpleology creator, Mark Joyner. He states that it is the 'simple science of getting what you want'. It is a methodology, rooted in a system of rules, processes and empirical measurements.
The key is in understanding that it works on different levels. Each person is free to apply it on different levels, depending on their goals. Bear in mind, though, that the true power lies in applying all aspects of Simpleology, and only then will you get all the benefits. Not everyone, however, needs all the benefits, because we all have different aims.
So, the true entrepreneur, geared towards making a substantial income from these activities, and seeking to empower themselves to achieve this in a relatively painless and very structured fashion needs to embrace Simpleology in its' entirety for it to take them there. This also takes a dedicated person, with time on their hands.
If you don't have that time, then it can still help.
If I do this, am I doing it?
Let's just be clear. Simpleology is great. Mark Joyner has created something which really does work. If you do what I point to here, you're not doing Simpleology. Perhaps one day you will, and you will almost certainly gain great benefit from doing so. As I do.
For example, Simpleology is based around a 15 minute daily ritual, which I have reduced here to the bare essentials required for time management. Some of the techniques I have taught in the past crop up again in this method, others do not.
Most of the Simpleology items have been removed; mainly those aimed at increasing your Time and Money powers. These powers are part of a trio (Time, Energy, Money) which can be increased by defining those decisions which make them weaker, and replacing them with ones that make them stronger. It sounds simple, but it involves some deep soul searching that we'll not go into here.
Simpleology Time Management
For those who don't have the time to go the whole hog, concentrate on using those 15 minutes to set your mind to the task. Three simple pieces of paper are all that you need - one to list everything that's on your mind at the outset, one to list everything from that first list that is a vague idea with no concrete action, and a final sheet to hold everything that has been farmed out elsewhere.
Spend 5 to 7 minutes clearing everything out of your brain, and putting it to paper, safe in the knowledge that this way it will be dealt with. Then cross out everything that you can not influence, and copy the items to the second paper that need more thought.
Finally, copy all the delegated items (things that must be done, but not by you) to the third sheet, and put it somewhere safe along with the second sheet. Then do all the items on the first sheet, and throw it away.
As a last action, after you've finished your allotted entrepreneurial work time, copy the items to delegate to the 'things to do sheet' for the next session. Delegate the tasks, being sure to specify when you expect the delegated to report back, and put their name next to the task.
This one simple routine, part of Simpleology, will have a profound effect on your working time. And, they're not even paying me to say that.
Summary
So, Simpleology is a great help in time management, proving a little more structured than traditional techniques. As such I'm glad to have found it, and integrate it in my own business practices, and pass it on to others.
At the very least, it takes away an 'energy leech', another Simpleology term meaning something which saps your energy, and helps to dispel a 'time leech'. Considering that it will also help you to perform at your best when you might not be feeling it, it is to be applauded and applied.
Guy specialises in helping clients get the most from the written word - be it copywriting, summarised research or company material. He also helps in a consultancy role dealing with quality, effectiveness and acts as a disinterested third party in joint venture matchmaking.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_Lecky-Thompson
As entrepreneurs, we all suffer from lack of time. Those just starting out have it the worst, if only because they need to dedicate time to an active professional life as well as any entrepreneurial activities they might also be doing.
It's very easy to do the math. If a person is working 8 hours a day, and has a family life, there will be very little waking time left to dedicate to that third pillar of their existence. They can not, however, turn it off. It is always there, probing our consciousness and begging for attention.
Based on the assumption that it is simply not going away, and that we will eventually use our entrepreneurial sprit to succeed, it makes sense to try and use the 2 hours per day we can dedicate to it in an effective manner. Managing this time appropriately will ensure we get the most out of it.
On top of the scarcity of our entrepreneurial time, there is the probability that we will be dedicating ourselves to it at a time of day when we typically have little energy left (early morning or late evening). For those that fall into the small percentage of people for whom this does not present a problem, imaging giving yourselves an instant boost at this critical time of day!
What is Simpleology?
To explain this, I'll borrow a phrase from Simpleology creator, Mark Joyner. He states that it is the 'simple science of getting what you want'. It is a methodology, rooted in a system of rules, processes and empirical measurements.
The key is in understanding that it works on different levels. Each person is free to apply it on different levels, depending on their goals. Bear in mind, though, that the true power lies in applying all aspects of Simpleology, and only then will you get all the benefits. Not everyone, however, needs all the benefits, because we all have different aims.
So, the true entrepreneur, geared towards making a substantial income from these activities, and seeking to empower themselves to achieve this in a relatively painless and very structured fashion needs to embrace Simpleology in its' entirety for it to take them there. This also takes a dedicated person, with time on their hands.
If you don't have that time, then it can still help.
If I do this, am I doing it?
Let's just be clear. Simpleology is great. Mark Joyner has created something which really does work. If you do what I point to here, you're not doing Simpleology. Perhaps one day you will, and you will almost certainly gain great benefit from doing so. As I do.
For example, Simpleology is based around a 15 minute daily ritual, which I have reduced here to the bare essentials required for time management. Some of the techniques I have taught in the past crop up again in this method, others do not.
Most of the Simpleology items have been removed; mainly those aimed at increasing your Time and Money powers. These powers are part of a trio (Time, Energy, Money) which can be increased by defining those decisions which make them weaker, and replacing them with ones that make them stronger. It sounds simple, but it involves some deep soul searching that we'll not go into here.
Simpleology Time Management
For those who don't have the time to go the whole hog, concentrate on using those 15 minutes to set your mind to the task. Three simple pieces of paper are all that you need - one to list everything that's on your mind at the outset, one to list everything from that first list that is a vague idea with no concrete action, and a final sheet to hold everything that has been farmed out elsewhere.
Spend 5 to 7 minutes clearing everything out of your brain, and putting it to paper, safe in the knowledge that this way it will be dealt with. Then cross out everything that you can not influence, and copy the items to the second paper that need more thought.
Finally, copy all the delegated items (things that must be done, but not by you) to the third sheet, and put it somewhere safe along with the second sheet. Then do all the items on the first sheet, and throw it away.
As a last action, after you've finished your allotted entrepreneurial work time, copy the items to delegate to the 'things to do sheet' for the next session. Delegate the tasks, being sure to specify when you expect the delegated to report back, and put their name next to the task.
This one simple routine, part of Simpleology, will have a profound effect on your working time. And, they're not even paying me to say that.
Summary
So, Simpleology is a great help in time management, proving a little more structured than traditional techniques. As such I'm glad to have found it, and integrate it in my own business practices, and pass it on to others.
At the very least, it takes away an 'energy leech', another Simpleology term meaning something which saps your energy, and helps to dispel a 'time leech'. Considering that it will also help you to perform at your best when you might not be feeling it, it is to be applauded and applied.
Guy specialises in helping clients get the most from the written word - be it copywriting, summarised research or company material. He also helps in a consultancy role dealing with quality, effectiveness and acts as a disinterested third party in joint venture matchmaking.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_Lecky-Thompson
Christian Dating Services
Christian dating online is all the rave nowadays, with new christian dating services popping up all the time. Why are more and more Christian Singles using online Christian dating services? What are some pros for using a Christian dating service? For starters, as Christians have become more comfortable surfing the web, they have also become more familiar with the many different Christian matchmaking, Christian chatrooms, Christian pen pals and Christian personals sites. Many of these Christian dating services, like eHarmony, also mass market in traditional venues like radio and TV. Look, I don't watch much TV (except maybe American Idol) but I bet I've seen that grandfatherly, smiling face of Dr. Neil Clarke Warren, the eHarmony founder, at least fifty times in the last year espousing how easy it is to meet that special someone. Familiarity may breed contempt in some relationships, but not with marketing: It breeds trust.
Beyond familiarity and savvy marketing techniques, more and more single Christians are using Christian dating services for the simple reason that most churches are not geared toward meeting needs of single adults. How many churches go out of their way to form ministries and singles groups where Christian guys and gals can really get to know each other and grow relationships? I can tell you from our ministry and ongoing survey spot research that there are far too few churches reaching out in creative ways to single Christians.
I firmly believe that a local church is a God ordained great place to grow spiritually and find fellowship and serve others. That's why we are building an online singles group and Christian coffeehouse directory at Christian-Dating-Service-PLUS. We want to help Christians connect locally, while also providing publicity for singles group ministries and churches that are reaching out.
Overall, I see a Christian Dating Service as one alternative for meeting other single Christians of the opposite sex. Meeting someone in a local singles group is definitely a better way of growing an intimate relationship, but most churches do not have specialized ministries geared toward the need of singles.
David Butler, the author of this article, is a Christian minister to singles, and has a website, Christian Dating Service PLUS, geared toward their dating and spiritual needs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Butler
Beyond familiarity and savvy marketing techniques, more and more single Christians are using Christian dating services for the simple reason that most churches are not geared toward meeting needs of single adults. How many churches go out of their way to form ministries and singles groups where Christian guys and gals can really get to know each other and grow relationships? I can tell you from our ministry and ongoing survey spot research that there are far too few churches reaching out in creative ways to single Christians.
I firmly believe that a local church is a God ordained great place to grow spiritually and find fellowship and serve others. That's why we are building an online singles group and Christian coffeehouse directory at Christian-Dating-Service-PLUS. We want to help Christians connect locally, while also providing publicity for singles group ministries and churches that are reaching out.
Overall, I see a Christian Dating Service as one alternative for meeting other single Christians of the opposite sex. Meeting someone in a local singles group is definitely a better way of growing an intimate relationship, but most churches do not have specialized ministries geared toward the need of singles.
David Butler, the author of this article, is a Christian minister to singles, and has a website, Christian Dating Service PLUS, geared toward their dating and spiritual needs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Butler
Single Parent Dating Tips – How to Date with Kids
Single parent dating tips have to address issues that people without children don’t ever have to worry about. Let’s face it – being a single parent is pretty difficult at times to begin with. Throw trying to establish a special adult relationship into the mix and you’ve got lots of complications. I’ve put together some single parent dating tips that can help simplify things so that you can relax and enjoy dating again.
Explaining it to Your Kids
When you are going out on a date, let your kids know that you’re going out with a friend. It’s a simple, honest explanation. Especially with younger kids, no more details are needed; if they ask who the friend is, simply say that it is someone from work, a friend of your neighbor, or whoever it is. Don’t try to explain too much – simpler is better.
Avoiding Resentment
Don’t introduce your children to someone you’re dating until you’re pretty sure the relationship is going somewhere. Meeting several different people over time will only confuse them, and they may come to resent your dating anyone at all.
Introduce Your New Friend Slowly
Once you’re ready to introduce your significant other to your children, do so slowly. The first time, it should be simply ice cream or perhaps some time in the park. Gradually allow more time with the kids and include them on some appropriate “family dates.”
Your Children Come First
Here is a very important single parent dating tip: make it clear from the beginning that your children will come first in any situation. If this seems to be a problem for anyone you’re seeing, it’s time to stop the relationship. Any man or woman who is jealous of your children isn’t a good bet for a relationship.
Your Commitments Come First
If you’re a single parent who only sees his children every other weekend or a similar schedule, make this clear. Tell someone you are dating that you won’t be available on those weekends, and stick to it until you’re ready to have everyone get together. This reassures your children and gives the person you’re dating an idea of the commitment involved in dating someone with children.
Don’t Move Too Quickly
If you allow your kids to get close to someone early on, only to break up with them a few months later, they will end up hurt and confused. This is especially essential if you’re just starting to date again or if you’ve recently divorced.
Listen to Your Kids
Once your children have met someone you’re dating, listen to their input. (A dating tip I got from a lot of single parents). This doesn’t mean nixing your social life if your son or daughter says, “I don’t want you to date anymore,” without a good explanation. However, if he or she says they really don’t like him because he yells at them, doesn’t pay attention to them or just makes them uncomfortable, listen. Discuss the concerns with your companion, watch how he or she interacts with your children and put some real thought into the situation.
Don’t Parade Your Date in Front of an Ex
It may be tempting to let your ex know that you’ve moved on, but it’s unfair to use a date as a weapon. Your children will no doubt mention that you’re dating when they are with their other parent, and that’s fine. Don’t ask them to keep it a secret or they will feel like you are doing something wrong. Simply let things take their course, and answer their questions honestly.
Reassure Your Children
Reassure your children that dating someone is completely separate from your love for them. Explain the importance of having a special adult in your life, but that it doesn’t diminish your feelings for them.
These single parent dating tips won’t guarantee completely smooth sailing, but it will make the process less confusing for everyone concerned.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Urban
Explaining it to Your Kids
When you are going out on a date, let your kids know that you’re going out with a friend. It’s a simple, honest explanation. Especially with younger kids, no more details are needed; if they ask who the friend is, simply say that it is someone from work, a friend of your neighbor, or whoever it is. Don’t try to explain too much – simpler is better.
Avoiding Resentment
Don’t introduce your children to someone you’re dating until you’re pretty sure the relationship is going somewhere. Meeting several different people over time will only confuse them, and they may come to resent your dating anyone at all.
Introduce Your New Friend Slowly
Once you’re ready to introduce your significant other to your children, do so slowly. The first time, it should be simply ice cream or perhaps some time in the park. Gradually allow more time with the kids and include them on some appropriate “family dates.”
Your Children Come First
Here is a very important single parent dating tip: make it clear from the beginning that your children will come first in any situation. If this seems to be a problem for anyone you’re seeing, it’s time to stop the relationship. Any man or woman who is jealous of your children isn’t a good bet for a relationship.
Your Commitments Come First
If you’re a single parent who only sees his children every other weekend or a similar schedule, make this clear. Tell someone you are dating that you won’t be available on those weekends, and stick to it until you’re ready to have everyone get together. This reassures your children and gives the person you’re dating an idea of the commitment involved in dating someone with children.
Don’t Move Too Quickly
If you allow your kids to get close to someone early on, only to break up with them a few months later, they will end up hurt and confused. This is especially essential if you’re just starting to date again or if you’ve recently divorced.
Listen to Your Kids
Once your children have met someone you’re dating, listen to their input. (A dating tip I got from a lot of single parents). This doesn’t mean nixing your social life if your son or daughter says, “I don’t want you to date anymore,” without a good explanation. However, if he or she says they really don’t like him because he yells at them, doesn’t pay attention to them or just makes them uncomfortable, listen. Discuss the concerns with your companion, watch how he or she interacts with your children and put some real thought into the situation.
Don’t Parade Your Date in Front of an Ex
It may be tempting to let your ex know that you’ve moved on, but it’s unfair to use a date as a weapon. Your children will no doubt mention that you’re dating when they are with their other parent, and that’s fine. Don’t ask them to keep it a secret or they will feel like you are doing something wrong. Simply let things take their course, and answer their questions honestly.
Reassure Your Children
Reassure your children that dating someone is completely separate from your love for them. Explain the importance of having a special adult in your life, but that it doesn’t diminish your feelings for them.
These single parent dating tips won’t guarantee completely smooth sailing, but it will make the process less confusing for everyone concerned.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Urban
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