Is He Ready for You? Dating a Man with a Child: Red Flags to Notice

Allison decided to start dating again after a long break.

She met Tom, a man with a young child.

At first, everything seemed perfect.

But as their relationship grew, Allison noticed some warning signs. Dating someone with a child can be challenging. Allison’s story highlights the red flags to watch out for.

1. He Puts You Second… All the Time

When Allison first started dating Tom, she understood that his child was important. However, she soon felt like she was always last. Plans they made together were often canceled because of his child.

Tom would say, “You know how it is, my kid needs me.”

Allison wanted to support Tom, but she felt neglected. She heard from other women that feeling like an afterthought is a common issue. It’s important to feel valued in the relationship, not just a backup plan.

2. His Ex is Too Involved

Tom and his ex needed to co-parent, which Allison thought was healthy. But over time, Allison saw that their communication was excessive.

His ex would call late at night, saying, “Just to chat.” Their talks weren’t only about their child.