Are Single Dads a Turn-Off when it comes to Dating?

When I was online dating, if I was matched with a single Dad I immediately hit the "delete" key. Single fathers came ready-made with baggage, and I wanted no part. Ironically, I ended up marrying one.

A recent article in news website the Star noted that nearly 70% of childless Canadian women on eHarmony refuse to be matched with men who have children. On the other hand, 63% of men won't be matched with single Moms.

"Children add an extra layer of challenge to dating," says Dr. Gian Gonzaga, senior director of research and development for eHarmony Labs. "The concern women have is that they can never be the only person in his life because there is a child who is going to take some of his attention."

While dating a single parent definitely presents additional complications, should it really be a deal-breaker? After all, roughly 50% of marriages end in divorce, and many divorcees have children. They make up a large portion of the single population, so should they be dismissed by those who don't have children?

I was open to the idea of dating my current husband despite my reservations, and as a result I've found a fulfilling relationship that I never expected. Part of the reason I fell in love with him was because I saw how he interacted with his children. I saw the caring, nurturing side, and not just the candidate for a boyfriend.

However, I will say that it takes some adjustments, and it's not for everyone. There are times when it can be difficult and emotional, and other times when it's very rewarding to spend time with someone else's children. It depends on your relationship with the person you're dating, and his relationship with his children.

According to the Star, Patti Henry, a psychotherapist and author of The Emotionally Unavailable Man: A Blueprint for Healing tells her female clients to look for signs when they consider dating a single father. "If he's protective of his children by not wanting the woman to meet his kids for like six months, green flag. If he gets his emotional needs met by other adults . . . and not his children, green flag. If he is wise with his children when they screw up . . . green flag."

If you are a single parent looking to try online dating, check out our list of Single Parent Dating Sites. These niche dating services are tailored made for singles with children and singles who do not mind if their matches have children.