According to the US Census Bureau, in 2000 there were 9.8 million single mothers in the US. This means that today there are roughly 10 million women out there who are either entering into new relationships, or trying to.

As a single mother, you know there are some common questions about dating for single moms. Here are four key dating advice tips to help your love life run smoother.

1. The first one is to keep your dating life away from the kids. Studies show that a single mother's dating behavior affects the sexuality of her adolescent children. I advise you to take things slowly and to remember that any decision you make will impact both your life and your child's. But it is also known that children raised by a single parent engage in sexual activity sooner and more frequently. Also, if the kids get involved with a guy you are seeing who is a fleeting presence, they can be hurt when he leaves.

2. Secondly, once you start dating one guy exclusively you can introduce him to your children, but be sure he enters the family system as a positive, prizing and giving figure. Entering into the dating game with children in tow is a daunting task, not only because you risk getting hurt yourself, but so do your children. Bringing a man into your family means a certain loss for your children'a loss of the cushy family unit in which they did not have to share you ? so make sure that when your boyfriend is around they have engaging and fun activities to do. In a sense, your child feels abandoned as his single parent focuses time and energy on a new companion. You want your kids to associate good things with the new man in your life. By taking the relationship slowly, letting your children get used to your new partner and not compromising on the amount of quality time spent with your children there is no reason why you can't find and enjoy a fulfilling romantic relationship as well as be a good mother and provider for your child.

3. Third, before you introduce the guy to your kids, make sure you tell him all the ?good news? about your children?the fun, warmth and special gifts that each child brings into your life (no complaining about the problems you have with the kids). And tell them about how much fun this guy is?tell them about interesting parts of him and his world that would make them look forward to meeting him. But also remember, when you're on a date, don't spend the entire time talking about your kids math achievements or his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Let a man know all about what's interesting about you besides your children. Keep things balanced - talk some about the kids, talk more about you.

4. And fourth, if he truly is the One and you wind up marrying, the best way to divide up parenting duties is to have him be more nurturing and you more of the limit-setter and disciplinarian. If you have kids or teens that at times act out of control, it may be tempting for him to step in, confront them and break out of the nurturing role. Do not allow this - instead have him be neutral with the kids and function behind the scenes as your supportive secret weapon. He can be a sounding board and advisor on how to deal with your children's problems and issues. Of course, he still needs to back up any rules you set. This teaming and division of roles will help your child settle down and make for a happier family unit. You don't want to be torn between your kids and your guy!!

But the most important thing is: You're probably not going to meet anyone right for you by sitting at home with your kids. You have to be open, get out into the world sometimes, and be willing to give some new things a try. No, it won't always be easy - but when it really works, you won't regret a single moment that it took to get there.