With the divorce rate often quoted as one in two, or 50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce, it’s hard to fathom that there could still be a stigma attached to single parents. To be exact, the CDC quotes 3.4 of 1,000 marriages end in divorce. If you combine those single parents with single parents who conceived out of wedlock, that leaves a pretty large number of men and women in the single parent pool.

The reality is that many still pause when they find out that a woman or man has children. It means, automatically, that a third party is in the equation; in actuality, it may mean more, including the child’s father or mother. No one wants to willingly enter into baby daddy or baby mama drama.

In her recent blog post, author Christelyn Karazin addresses the question: “As a single mother, am I considered ‘damaged goods’?” Karazin admits there are challenges. She warns against men who prey upon single mothers who have bought into the notion that they are “damaged goods.” Often it is how we view ourselves that determines how others react and treat us.

In this Askmen.com article, writer Lawrence Mitchell states:

The game you play with other women may not have the same effect. I have always recommended that men be genuine and sincere in their love life but with a single mother, you should hardcode that nugget of advice on your cerebellum.

Concern about dating a single parent goes both ways, and many women do not want to date men with kids any more than single men want to date single mothers. But with our “modern families” and today’s culture, anything is possible. Relationships are unique, and there are many ways to find relationship success.

The benefits of dating single parents

There are some advantages to dating single parents. If you are looking for a committed relationship, a single parent is more likely to be responsible, mature and more likely to know what it takes to make a relationship work. If, on the other hand, you like your freedom and space, this could also be a win-win.

Dating advice for single parents

If you are re-enteringthe dating arena as a single parent, it’s best to keep an open mind, take your time and consider new venues or activities. You don’t have to feel guilty for taking time for yourself, and you certainly don’t need to introduce every person you date to your child(ren). Cnn.com offers more advice here.