Have you ever taken your kid with you on a date? 

Confession: I have. But not since Mae was three years old. And never on a first date, or a second. But maybe a third.

More than once, I met a new man at the ice cream parlor, with Mae in tow. I’d made it clear to him that this wasn’t about being touchy-feely, this was about spending quality time together. He bought the ice cream and Mae sat on my lap. She ignored him.

Was it convenient? Yes. Was it selfish? Probably.

This week, at I Heart Online Dating, Kate, a single mom who has just signed up for Match.com, is wondering whether she should accept James’ invitation to go to a game with their kids.

Note: Kate has never met James. She has never spoken to him on the phone.

James wrote to Kate: “Plans this weekend? I’m taking Michael to a game on Sunday. Would you and your kids want to come along?”

Kate says she’s not sure “what to do. A few days ago, I wasn’t even to admit that I had two children. Now they’re coming with me on dates?! I don’t think I can move this quickly. Maybe I can. But I’m starting to get worried.”

Still, I was relieved when I read that Kate wouldn’t be bringing her kids on the date. Her reason is very poignant:

“I want my children to have fun, but it’s also important for me to provide them with stability. I just don’t know how long James will last. Finding a relationship is important to me, but I don’t want to compromise the best ones I already have.”

~~~

Have you ever taken your child with you on a date? Why? What were the circumstances?

Men and single dads, have you ever suggested that a woman bring her kids along?
 

I’m not talking about a Meet-the-Kids rendezvous, after you’ve known a man for a few months and feel ready to make the Big Introduction. I’m talking about bringing your little one along to dinner with The Date. Most single moms I know have a very strict No-Kids-On-A-Date rule. But most single moms I know have broken this rule.