Got Kids?

Sean: So if you've noticed the posts this week following fathers day have been about manhood- & that's a complete coincidence. But since we're on that theme I figure we shall continue. Today I want to talk about a mans commitment to his family. I often worry that having a son would deter woman from wanting a relationship with me (if ever I needed to hit "the market" again and strike up a new relationship that is) and I have come across some that flat out said I don't date guys with kids. Wow! Women are something. But, the majority of the women I've encountered respects the responsibility that comes along with fatherhood. And if your a dad handling your business that says a lot to women and actually makes you a more attractive prospect. However I must pose this question to the fellas: if a woman has a child and she's doing everything taking care of the child does that make her a more "viable" option? Sadly I must admit most brothers are immature in the way we view relationships and things of that matter. Most men will opt for a woman w/o kids fearing...hell, I don't what they're afraid of! I know some ladies are wary of "Baby Mama Drama"- god I hate that term! So perhaps fellas fear a similar recourse from the father of a woman's child. See, my oldest brother who is many years my senior had his father die when he was a small child and my dad raised him from when he was a boy. So I have never had an issue with being with a woman with children because that's what I saw growing up. But for those with some hang ups about the issue I'd like to hear your opinions...

Simplicity:

Boys will be boys, and girls will be girls.
It takes a grown man, like Sean for instance to be willing to enter into a relationship with a woman that has a child. Likewise, it takes a grown woman to accept a man with a child.
I can speak from personal experience, as a young woman or girl I guess I should say I was terrified of dealing with a man with a child because I couldn't imagine being involved with a situation that involved the words, "Oh, I have the baby tonight," or "let me see if my son's mother will.." etc. But, ever since I was 18... it seemed as though the majority of quality men I'd come across were no stranger to fatherhood. I'll admit, at first it raised a big flag because there's no denying that it is an awkward situation.
Just until recently, I subliminally promised not to be with a man with a child because although i love a good competition, there's no competition between the new girl and the "baby's mama" (i hate that term too). And, part of me still believe that.
But, I will say my growth has allowed me to welcome the possibility of it.
Nothing in life is said to be easy, and I won't turn someone down just because he's already had a child. If we do, ladies, you never know the beautiful possibilities that could exist between the two of you.
Respect the man more so for taking up his responsibility and being a good father rather than judge him for getting a girl pregnant.
It happens, and lets be realistic statistics prove despite all necessary precautions... IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU!
So men, please don't run scared from those of us women who have kids, (myself not being one of them but if I was I wouldn't want to fall into the category of Unwanted)
And ladies, give him a chance because maybe 1 time out of 10, the "baby mama" is truly just that and the feelings are gone... granted 9 times outta 10, she's not and you'll end up falling in love and getting pushed aside for her!.. that's the risk worth taking if you get to experience a true love.
Just kidding, it is a big risk, and it takes a strong, mature woman to be able to accept all possibilities in that situation, speaking from experience.
I'm a survivor so I can speak on this one with much validity... :)
Although I didn't win the competition that man learned a new walk of life and loved me like he will never love someone else and there's no denying that. It is simply a strong bond to break and it may never be broken between a man and the mother of his first child but if it's meant to be...
Hell, you know the rest!