The holidays are nearly upon us, and though many may say this is not the time for a single mom to start dating, I disagree. With all of the parties and festivities filling the lines in your calendar, this is the perfect time to mix, mingle and be introduced to as many single male possibilities you can find. You never know who could be your ultimate man-under-the-mistletoe! Do tell your children your dating. Just make sure they know that they come first in your life.

Don’t forget to wear something red on your first date. Red dress, red lipstick, red nail polish. Research has found that men are turned on by red. Do tell him you have kids … but don’t dwell on the details. Don’t let dating burn you out. There will always be available men. Don’t believe me? Check online. Do let him pay for the first date. He wants to be a gentleman, and you want to be a treated like a princess. Don’t look for a replacement dad, that’s not fair to anyone.

Don’t abandon your friends for your new man. Remember girls night out is important and healthy too! Do consider dating online. Life’s a big pond. There are plenty of fish and 1000’s of dating sites, use one that has trusted users like Singles Warehouse. Don’t listen to anyone else about your dating style…it’s your life. Do take up your friends offer to babysit your kids so you can go out. Don’t forget to lock the bedroom door when kids are home – if you’re gonna get busy.

Do laugh at his jokes. You’ll come across as interested and happy. Men are naturally drawn to upbeat positive women. Don’t pick your new guy over your kids. See number 1. Do turn off your cell phone during dinner, but give the babysitter the restaurant tele for emergencies. Don’t dress like a slut for your date when you’re headed out the door. Also not good role modeling. Don’t forget to wear something red on your first date. Red dress, red lipstick, red nail polish.