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By: Tracey Herriot

So maybe you are starting to date someone and he seems like the one until....you find out he already has a child. Depending on the situation, this could throw a few curve balls your way. Make sure you are prepared for the challenges ahead. Here are a few things you should take into consideration before getting into a serious relationship.

Ask yourself the question, "Do I like kids?"
A child from your boyfriend's previous relationship is not your own. Other people's kids can be irritating at times. If you become easily irritated when the neighbourhood daycare fills up half the bus, or can't stand the noise of the kids in the yard next door, you may want to think twice. The idea of having children can sound like a dream come true, but remember that the child is not yours. The love for your boyfriend won't necessarily transfer.

Ask yourself, "Am I ready to accept his responsibilities?"
A man with kids may not be as available as you would have expected. Be prepared for last minute cancellations. As a parent and father he needs to available for his child first and you...second. His child who is sick at home with a fever is higher on his priority than going out with you on a romantic dinner for two.

Ask yourself "Am I a person who gets emotionally attached?"
If you are a person that forms emotional attachments quite easily you may want to keep watch. If you can't bear to loose a person from your life, or don't do well with break-ups a man with a child would be twice as hard. Not only will you have to deal with a break-up with your boyfriend, but also a separation from his child.

Think about, "What kind of father he is?"
This is a great way to find out how your man deals with responsibility. Depending on how well he manages his time, and prioritizes his life, it will tell you a lot about whether you could have a future with this person. We are all looking for a man that deals with situations to the best of his ability and looks for ways to improve them in the future.

Ask Yourself "What kind of lifestyle am I living and am I prepared to change?"
Most of us in the ages between 20 and 30 are still somewhat self centered and finding our ways in life. We tend to want to be more involved in a social and party lifestyle. Going clubbing till three in the morning might fly a few times, but not on a regular basis.A man with a child is now a role model. Drunken weekends, lazing in bed all day, and sitting in a caf(c) all day on Sundays may not apply anymore.

Being with a man with kids is not impossible, but it is important that you make sure to know that sometimes you might have to make a few compromises. Make sure that you make it clear what you want in a relationship, and that he also communicates to you what he can give you in a relationship. Take Your time, be patient, and always communicate.