My single-again friend said she wasn't going to get involved with anyone until her youngest child was out of school. I laughed and said, "Good luck with that."

A year later her sincere intentions went out the window when she met Ted. Fortunately for all concerned their relationship was solid from the start and soon led to marriage. They were the exception, not the rule, wouldn't you agree?

Unfortunately it is more complicated for most women. A lot of guys are scared away the minute they hear you have kids. (You know, the same way you lose interest when he says he lives with his parents.)

Even if Mr. Right comes along and he's great with the kids, he may not be eager to take on a ready-made family, so he's not the right one after all.

What happens when the kids fall in love with him and you don't? Or if he decides he isn't ready for fatherhood, but the kids have become accustomed to having him around?

Single moms, if you relate, I'd appreciate your comments. What are your guidelines about when you introduce a love interest into your kids' lives? What precautions do you take? What do you tell the kids?

Thanks in advance for sharing,

The Schoolmarm.