Childfree and the Dating Scene

Should we be made to feel bad if we choose NOT to date men (or women) who already have children? If we decide to date single dads (or moms), does it make us bad people if we limit ourselves to dating only those with grown children? Simply put, the dynamics of a relationship can be quite complex when you factor in children, not to mention ex-wives, all of whom will be vying for the attention and pocketbook of your new companion should the relationship become a long-lasting one.
Let’s face it – our life as we know it, being women without children, can largely be misunderstood by those who have children (men and women alike!). Whether by choice, chance or circumstance, we’ve carved out a life for ourselves and the thought of introducing kids into the mix could be the essential tipping of the apple cart. What if you are no longer able to keep your morning fitness routine because kids need to be chauffeured to school? What if you are now in need of learning how to cook for five when your go-to dinner was often cheese and crackers and a bottle of wine? Longing for those adult friendly vacations with girlfriends over a trip to Disney World? Don’t get me wrong – many women glad fully adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the new family dynamic. But for those of us who have come to accept and like the life we have created for ourselves, we should feel free to restrict our choice of dating men (or women) to those who either have no children, or perhaps older children who are living independent of their parents.
I’m curious to know how many of you have seriously considered dating men (or women) without children, or at best, limiting your dates to only those whose children are older and out of the house.