I am a single parent wanting to get back to dating. How & when do I tell prospects that I am a mom?

I have tried online dating sites & have yet to find/meet anyone to my liking. However, I have met men when I am out & about that I have been interested in. If they get wind that I am a mom or I tell them that I am, they flee before we even really get to know each other. I am proud of being a single mom & believe I should be upfront about it, but I also want to give them time to get to know me. So should I tell them the first time we meet, the first date, second date, a week, a month...? When and how do I delicately tell them? P.S. My daughter is a baby/toddler so I don't need to explain anything to her nor am I interested in her meeting anyone until it becomes serious. She stays with her grandma when I go out, which is very rare. Thanks for your advice.

Public Comments

1. They need to know right off the bat its a package deal! If they don't want the whole package, they can't touch your bow!
2. i would say tell them straight up before you even go on a date, because if they arent willing to accept your child from the start then they arent worth it.
3. IMMEDIATELY!!
4. I would let men know immediately that i have a child. that is normally one the first top 10 questions most people ask. if you are a proud parent then let them know. if they run they were going to run regardless when you told them. it's better that you find out sooner than later. When i started back dating my daughter was close to turning 2yrs old. I let the guy i was dating then know i had a small child. he was still interested in getting to know me. he didn't meet my child until i was certain he was someone who was going to be around for a while. we were together maybe 6 months or a little longer before he met her. i'm now married to him and he treats her like his own.
5. it is hard but, be proud of who you are from the dads side it is always something i say early in the conversation
6. Tell your date right away...if he flees,he's not the one for you plain and simple..I am also a single mom of 2 and some guys don't want a woman with"baggage"but I've met a couple of nice single fathers who can accept a lady like me..just be honest and be yourself..you are a proud single mother! Best of luck to you..
7. i think they need to know right from the start. personally, i wouldnt mind dating someone with kids. but if they cant accept you and the fact that you have kids, then they aint worth dating anyway.
8. some where towards the end of your first conversation. this way there will be no mistaking anything. some men can handle, some can't, so its best to get it out at the beginning.