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When children are involved, dating gets complicated. Ron Deal gives single parents--as well as those who date them--expert advice on
• How to determine if you and the kids are really ready for dating, deal with kids' fears, and recognize red lights in a relationship.
• What to expect when dating a single parent and when to start spending time with the kids.
• Things to consider before getting engaged and how to prepare for life as a stepfamily.
Let Ron Deal guide you through the emotional ups and downs of dating with kids. Includes a free online relationship checkup and questions for individual or group study.
"This book will help you see beyond the tingly feelings to determine if a dating partner will help you form a healthy family."
--from the foreword by Dr. Dennis Rainey, President, FamilyLife
"In Dating and the Single Parent, Ron Deal points out the common pitfalls and gives wise counsel in how to navigate the waters. I highly recommend it."
--Gary Chapman, PhD, author, The Five Love Languages
"You can trust Ron Deal to shoot straight with you about kids, dating, and finding lasting love."
--Dr. Kevin Leman, New York Times bestselling author of Have a New Kid by Friday
Foreword Dennis Rainey 11
Preface 15
Introduction: Striving for Love 17
Section 1 Getting Past Butterflies and Warm Fuzzies
Chapter 1 Dating in a Crowd: Dating With Purpose 29
Chapter 2 Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Am I Ready to Date? 47
Chapter 3 Ready or Not, Here I Come: The Readiness Factors 61
Chapter 4 The Fear Factor: Preparing Yourself and the Kids for Dating 79
Chapter 5 Kid Fears and Dating Considerations 95
Section 2 Going Fishing
Chapter 6 Finding Love in All the Right Places… and in All the Right Ways 117
Chapter 7 Yellow Light. Red Light Green Light 141
Chapter 8 Going Deeper 163
Section 3 Marital Commitment and Stepfamily Preparation
Chapter 9 Re-Engage? Decisions About Marriage 183
Chapter 10 Preparing for a Good Blend 203
Appendix 1 Social Networking Do's and Don'ts for Single Parents 223
Appendix 2 Sample Purity Pledge 225
Notes 231
IBELIEVE2BK
Posted October 27, 2012
This book is not a surface-feel-good book, but one that makes you look at yourself realistically. You can't just skim it; every page is important. He quotes a single parent who said, "we had no idea what we were getting into"... after reading THIS book, that won't be you!
The author is up front and in your face with real issues -- he asks you first of all to want God's blessing in whatever you do. He asks questions so you can avoid repeating past mistakes and discern if you are ready to be serious again.
At the end of each chapter he lists discussion questions that hammer home the information, and help you to realistically look at yourself and those you are with.
The author explains the difference between "coupleness" and "familyness" which will give the reader a lot to consider. Coupleness does not equal familyness and should be kept in the forefront of every meeting and activity.
He will probably shock a lot of people about 'soul-mate' but what he says hits the mark; he is right-on and will save people a lot of heart-ache if they listen.
I liked how he promotes involving God and His ways in every area of one's life i.e. a spiritually determined purpose in dating, everyone can learn from. Here is one of the thoughts he puts forth:
"In what way is your purpose in dating blocking God's purpose for you in dating?"
Like I said, he asks thought-provoking and self-examining questions only you can answer.
One piece of wisdom I'll share here is when he says "marry someone, not as a replacement parent, but because you love them and believe they will help you raise your kids in the Lord."
The author gives a behavior list and says he would limit it to 1-4; I would have to say in that area, I would limit it 1-3. You'll have to get the book to see what I am talking about!
I am not a reviewer who 'gives away' the whole story, but I hope this review will give single parents or those dating a single parent, a taste to read this book. It is well worth it.
I was given this book to review by Bakerpublishinggroup with no restrictions as to how I would review it. I do highly recommend it.
IBELIEVE2bk
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 27, 2012
The author, Ron Deal, shares wisdom gained through many years as a family counselor. Mr. Deal covers several subjects that single parents might not consider when they begin to date, and also provides insights for those who are dating a single parent. I love how the discussion questions at the end of each chapter helped me to strengthen my own perspective on dating as a single parent, as well as being great tools to spark conversation with my significant other. I highly recommend this book!
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Overview
When children are involved, dating gets complicated. Ron Deal gives single parents--as well as those who date them--expert advice on
• How to determine if you and the kids are really ready for dating, deal with kids' fears, and recognize red lights in a relationship.
• What to expect when dating a single parent and when to start spending time with the kids.
• Things to consider before getting engaged and ...