Few people become parents while in a relationship and then expect to be on the hunt for another partner at some point in the future. Nonetheless, that is exactly what happens to many. Couples break up, people leave unexpectedly, and sometimes, they even pass away. 

For those who are faced with the prospect of being a single parent, deciding whether or not to date again can be a dilemma. On the one hand, already having kids should not be a barrier to experiencing love with somebody new. On the other hand, parents have a responsibility to their family to make sure that any partner they choose is a good fit for their lifestyle.

As every single step-parent horror story shows, plenty of moms and dads get this wrong. However, while creating a happy home environment is the main duty of the adults, it’s important that the children contribute in some ways as well.