Questions about dating and being a single mother?

I am a 21 year old single mother. I've been single for about a year now with my beautiful daughter who is almost 9 months old. I would like to start dating but its going to be hard, I just want advice. I live with my parents, trying to save money to buy a house, and establish myself at my job to be able to get raises and what not. My parents are always telling me to go out, find a date. They are always willing to watch my daughter for me. The main problem for me is, that since I am a full time worker, (8-5 monday thru Friday) that when I do go out I feel guilty. My daughter only has one parent, me, is it wrong for me to go out? Any advice.

Public Comments

1. It's not wrong for you to want to go out. You're an adult, you need adult company. I think you should give dating a try for sure. Your Parents are going to watch your daughter, so she will be in the best hands possible (other than Mommy, of course :) Just make sure you are very very VERY careful on the men you decide to date. You have to remember, you are bringing these men into your daughters life as well... You shouldn't feel guilty for going on dates here and there, you deserve that. You work hard to support your daughter, you deserve some adult company. Just make sure you are very choosy with the men you pursue, and as soon as you feel comfortable with introducing your daughter to your date, you can start doing popcorn and movie nights and bring your baby =]
2. If you're out every night and rarely/never put her to bed - I'd say it's not quite right. However, I'm assuming this won't be an every night thing and it's not like you're leaving her with strangers... you're lucky that your parents are prepared to watch her and are supportive. That's much better than leaving her with a teenage babysitter who she barely know! Could you go out after she's in bed? Then she's unlikely to notice. Otherwise, just don't make it a habit and have fun! Good luck and hope you find "the one"!
3. Not at all, I was the same single mother to a little girl, and I started dating some but slow at first I didnt want to bring guys in and out of her life if they werent going to stay there. So I dated let my parents keep her and gave my self one day a week just for me either my friends or a nice dinner with a guy I was talking to or what not. I didnt rush and after a year of totally being picky and not settling for less than what I wanted and deserved I found my husband which we have been married now a year and a half and is the best thing that has ever happened to her and me! She has a daddy who loves her and choses to be in her life just as much as mine. Now we have a 2 month old son. Dont feel guilty she is def getting the love from you she needs and you parents just add to it! Good Luck finding Mr. Wright!! Dont settle we obviously did the first time girl!
4. Hey I'm a single 21 year old momma to my boy is 10 months! Go out have fun and Date. I wanna date too... But I need to do some body shaping. tooo many cookies not enough walking
5. although you should start dating, i think you should ALWAYS have time for your little daughter. These are the most important times of her life and what you teach her and show her and care for her now, willl last forever. DONT EVER forget your daughter or think its ok to leave her on her own for long periods of time
6. i understand,but you need to know that your daughter is getting the love not only from you but from her grandparents as well i would suggest that you go out on fridays night and have the saturday and sunday all for your baby girl
7. Now that Curious has you all guiltied up again, lets bring it into perspective. If you were married from the time of her birth, you and your supposed husband would be going out and having an adult life, along with your daughter having you as parents in everyday life. Many parents would be getting a baby sitter, and with your Mom and Dad enjoying being with her, that's even better. Having a child is not a replacement for life, but an exciting and rewarding addition to life. Babies go to bed early at 9 months, and your going out on a date some Friday or Saturday nights is not taking away from your baby's time at all. Your early evening after work, & Saturday and Sunday daytime would be rich with and for her. If you meet the right boyfriend, a baby would be something that he would enjoy including lots of times. At least it would be that way for Me! :- ) Me! :- )
8. They only way it would be wrong to go out is if you go every night and neglect your daughter. A couple hours once or twice a week will not hurt anything. Especially if you are home to put her to bed before you leave. Just remember to never leave her alone with a man your aren't sure is 150% trustworthy. ♥ Taylor
9. What time does she go to bed? Just go out after. There's nothing wrong w/ wanting "adult time"
10. Leaving your baby to have alone time is GREAT. As long as it is only once in a while...it will make you a better mom. Howver, I do want to offer the boring advice that your child already has to deal with only one consistant parent so dating and breaking up and ...is ALOT for a child. Perhaps you could go out with friends and wait to date until your child is 18. I know that is not the most popular opinion but I am sincere in offering it. GOOD LUCK!