How do Christian men feel about single mothers?

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CaptainGoat

Guest
I have tried dating single ladies. One I went on a single date and I looked at the child and I just couldn't date more. Was a young child and I felt the child needed his father. It was the feeling that the child wasn't mine.
Years later I dated someone else (Mostly online) as we were online friends. We met a couple of times. Once or twice a year I guess. She had a son who was older and it wasn't a concern. Was more the Lord gave me a choice as to why I didnt date further as His will comes first.
 
Jul 16, 2013
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Here are my thoughts:

1. A lot of men (even in Christian circles) are shamed for not wanting to get into relationships with single mothers. One of the reasons given for this shaming is that such men just don't want the responsibilities of fatherhood. However, most men who don't want to date or marry SM's actually DO want to be fathers; they just want their own children and not a "ready-made" family.

2. A man's choice to not get involved with a SM is not necessarily a value judgement on how she got into that situation. A man can be "non-judgmental" about such a woman, yet still not choose to have a relationship with her.

3. Depending on the context, the term "single mom" can mean a few different things. It can mean a never-married woman who chose an unsavory partner to have a child with, a woman who is divorced or a woman who is widowed. Most times, a man will be more likely to take on another woman's kids if she is divorced or widowed. Otherwise, most men don't want the risks of trying to "rescue" a woman from unfavorable circumstances.

Back to the value judgment thing, it seems as if a lot of SM's conflate a man not wanting to be with her and him "judging" or "condemning" her for being a single mom. And that's why they're so angry and they wonder why so many men just won't step up and help them.

$0.02
+1 Excellent points

Hi Cat, my name is Mike. Please allow me to say, don't be to hard on yourself for being a single mom. Today is a new day for those who believe in Christ. Philippians 3:13 This one thing I do is forget the things that are behind and press on to what lies ahead (Our spiritual growth. But, to your question; I'm 59 years old, single and have no kids. If I met a single mom that loves the Lord the single mom thing would not be an issue, she could have 10 kids. The main reasons for this is I love children and have never been able to have them and at my age its not realistic to start a family. In fact I'm inclined toward a single mom.

About 15 years ago I was dating a single mom with kids, 2 girls 13 and 7 years old. She had decided to be the cool mom,
in other words; there were almost no rules for her girls. Even though I had fallen in love with this lady the relationship couldn't work as I believe in loving correction of children and she did not. I ended the relationship after about 5 months. I remember the day it ended when I attempted to correct the girls and the Mom got really upset and yelled
" NOBODY CORRECTS MY GIRLS " I replied, yes I know; not even you, and I walked out.


There are some men that want only kids after their own bloodline, some that feel kids cost to much money or some
that don't like children. If I were you, I wouldn't worry about these men as I don't feel like they would not be good for
you or your kids, not spiritually, emotionally or financially.

I didn't mean to type so much, I couldn't find I good point to stop. I type like I talk, very long. Its been a blessing and
a curse to me.

I hope this was of some help to you. Blessings to you my dear sister. peace.
My bold and underlined: +1

I'm divorced (against my will) and don't have children.
Here's my two cents, if anyone would like to hear. Here's what I would consider:

1) Am I willing to forego the shared experience of being a first time parent?
There's a lot of functional parental identity that married parents develop *together* through time and experience. It's is a severely different dynamic when one is an experienced parent with an established family identity, while the other has to jump straight into the deep end of the pool, rather than learning developing roles and being a team throughout.

Personally, this would be a MAJOR factor for me personally, as I really want to become a dad some day, but I really want to share that NEW experience with my wife. Sure, this is partly due to intimidation by having suddenly to become a parent to someone else's children, each with their own experiences, norms and expectations, and partly due to a sensitivity towards the feelings of the kids involved (having come from divorced parents) when uprooting their norms and setting up new ones, but mostly it's because I consider that shared experience of becoming a parent as a big part of developing a deeply-rooted marriage. I listed it first because I find it pretty insulting and unfair for it to be said a man isn't "Godly enough" or "manly enough" or even that he isn't "up to the challenge." That may not be true at all. Some guys just want to share the entire parenting experience with their wife and don't want to lose the bonds that form during that part of your lives, or the establishment of a unified parenting face to their children.

2) Why is she a single mom?
This is the biggest consideration. I understand sins and bad choices. I also know (as in my own situation) that divorce doesn't require the consent of both people. Most tragically, sometimes a spouse's life is cut short. While it's no good to condemn someone for their choices, understanding the decision-making of your potential spouse is necessary to gauge their character. Some might inappropriately call this judging, but if you won't gauge the character of the person you're courting, you can't determine if they have godly character. Are they a single mother because they decided to forsake their covenant, or because they were unwilling to sacrifice as needed to keep it? I find these to be very personal, but very necessary questions. I believe that if they are off-limits, there is likely an issue with an unrepentant heart that would be a huge red flag - too likely to be ignored. If she owns her mistakes, is she willing to be reconciled to her husband? If not, why not? Does she have issues with forgiveness/bitterness? Does it put me in a bind spiritually, marrying and sleeping with another man's wife just because things were too tough with her husband? I won't go there. But it begs the question - what is her perspective on the significance of and what is required of a covenant?

3) Is there another man raising and making decisions regarding my children?
This is the second biggest question for me. I don't want another man in my marriage/family. If the kids' biological dad is making choices for and raising "my" kids, that's not okay with me. ESPECIALLY if he is the sort that it was so important to get away from that someone broke covenant over. If it's okay enough for him to be around, it's okay enough to do the biblical thing and be reconciled. Either way, if there is another dad involved, it's just not okay with me. I have compassion for her, but I have more compassion for the children and not having to have multiple "allegiances" with multiple parents. I can fully understand a parent wanting to have a "godly" influence in the form of a loving new spouse, but from the kids' perspective, if the dad is still in their life, they already HAVE a dad, and don't want another - this only confuses things. They usually just wish their dad was there and and that their parents would love each other and be together. I also think it's terrible for kids to see their mother being with someone who they know is NOT their dad. For me as a Christian kid, it was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. I don't think any kid should be faced with that. If dad is in their life, Dad should be dad. This is just my perspective. All this said, I had a step-dad who I REALLY butted heads with early on, but I really appreciate him as a man now. He's a good guy, but no kid should be placed in that situation when they already have a dad (again, my opinion).

I have a friend who married a gal with two bratty kids who she loves very much, and though she won't allow him to discipline the other man's kids (*facepalm*) he is the most patient, loving dad and step-dad a family could ever hope for and they have one new kiddo together. And I do believe he's an extreme blessing to the other kids and to his wife. I know God has and will continue to bless him. There are many instances of Godly men stepping up to be a parent and husband to wayward families. Just be as careful not to "judge" Godly guys for having reservations before leaping into a relationship with a single mom.

All of these things being said, after having my own kids, I'd gladly adopt kids at any age as part of the love/family ministry. I would love to show these kids unconditional love they'd given up hope for. My heart feels the same compassion for a single mom who feels no hope for having a godly Christ-following husband. To be clear, although I've studied it in depth, I'm not clear on God's heart regarding how to handle all of these modern situations yet. There are several excuses for divorce that we've culturally inserted recently that were not mentioned in scripture and were not accepted in that time. Frankly, Jesus revealed that even the human excuse in Mosaic law (infidelity) is not really God's will and is no excuse. And yet He applies mercy and grace for a repentant heart and keeps his covenant with us no matter what. I don't know what God's answer is for this, but I do know that He is loving, compassionate, and faithful. Make Him the center of all that you do and how you think, and He will provide over and above all that you need. And when things are tough, hold on and don't give up. All seasons are only seasons. It's not a hopeless situation, but Godly care should be taken, I think. Just my opinion.

Blessings in Jesus,
PolarGuyInAK
+1

Among the best responses in thread, imo.
 

dani097

Junior Member
Feb 9, 2018
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Hmmmm...
Not all Men have d Grace to love another Man's kid as theirs (especially wen d father is known to d kid).
The big challenge will be trying to act as d kid's Dad.
It takes d Grace of God to Love like dat.
It's easier to love d SM alone than to love d kid as if One was d Dad.

I know some stories where an arrangement was made for d kid to grow up with d grandparents but can visit the Mum and Step-dad's family occasionally.
Isn't fair to the kid you would say, but it avoids a whole lot of issues, it keeps d Father away from the Mum's new family, gives the step-dad a normal family (of him and his wife and kids), d mum a fresh start and the grand parents get to enjoy d kids company.

I've also heard of women dat simply and willingly give the kid to the Father, remarry and start afresh.

The likely outcome to all these is dat the kid could hate d mum if she doesn't handle such separation well enough. it still requires hard work, alot of care and communication.

Alot of Men may be owkay with these kind of arrangement as opposed to fully acting as d kid's Dad.
 
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claysmithr

Guest
Too many issues

1) Why is the father not in the picture?

2) I would prefer a biological family unless I decide to adopt

3) The women would love her children more than me
 

Teena

New member
Feb 11, 2022
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Now, first and foremost, I am NOT looking for a date or a pity party. lol
I'm wondering how guys who are sold out to Jesus feel about Christian women who have messed up in their past and are now single moms? Opinions, thoughts, viewpoints and general comments are all welcome! ^_^

It takes a great level of manliness from a single Christian man to commit to a woman who already has a childnof her own. That being said, he can be compared to Boaz, although Ruth has no child of her own. But the fact that Boaz had to put his own resources at risk for the sake of Mahlon speaks a lot about how strong and noble Boaz is. He was fully aware that he is doing a favour not just to Ruth but also to Naomi and Mahlon! There are lots of Christian men, some men are just nominal Christians, some truly regenerate Christians. But among the truly regenerate, they also have different outlook when it comes to responsibility, nobleness and taste for challenges. How blessed is such a woman as Ruth to find that kind of man, a truly precious gem. I pray that you would eventually cross paths with that man finally. That man would not judge you and would make you forget that your heart has ever been broken. He would understand that you have been through a lot and would draw strength from his God "to sanctify you, his bride, with His words, and his own words from his heart", words that heal.

However, I dont want you to live yout life just waiting for that man. You were not saved for a man. You were called to serve and to know your Saviour. 1 Peter 1:13 said set your hope COMPLETELY on the grace that shall be revealed unto you when Jesus is revealed". Set your heart completely on Jesus. Your despair for not having someone like Boaz will be taken away as you become fully satisfied only in Him. If it is in His will, He will give one. If not, you already have a promised husband, the perfect one. (Isaiah 54:5)
 

Gojira

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2021
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Mesa, AZ
Now, first and foremost, I am NOT looking for a date or a pity party. lol
I'm wondering how guys who are sold out to Jesus feel about Christian women who have messed up in their past and are now single moms? Opinions, thoughts, viewpoints and general comments are all welcome! ^_^
I don't care. I care about how they are TODAY.

In terms of children, it depends. I'm in my 50s now, so if a woman I wanted to be with had a kid, I would hope at least that they were already a teen, if not older.
 

Gojira

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2021
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Mesa, AZ
3) The women would love her children more than me
This is a good point. It was never an issue with my wife and I, as she came with two girls (3-on-1... sheesh), and we got along well. But, a buddy of mine in L.A. often felt like he was not always part of the group between his wife and her daughter. He seemed to feel that he was second to the kid, if I recall his words correctly.

Unfortunately, at my age, if I ever met anyone, she'd likely come with children.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
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I wonder if Boaz would have married Ruth if she already had children
It seemed nobody was willing to take a chance on Naomi, though she was older of course!

Younger widows can marry again,,,even advised to in the Bible. Children need a father figure, but if someone doesnt want that responsibilty, well..they are worse than an infidel anyway. Men were meant to provide for their household thats just part and parcel of being a family. wHy would you treat anyone different just cos they are not 'yours' that would be like oh Im not gonna take care of the pets or animals cos they just dont come from my loins.

if dont want that then dont even bother IMHO.
 
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TheIndianGirl

Guest
Younger widows can marry again,,,even advised to in the Bible. Children need a father figure, but if someone doesnt want that responsibilty, well..they are worse than an infidel anyway. Men were meant to provide for their household thats just part and parcel of being a family. wHy would you treat anyone different just cos they are not 'yours' that would be like oh Im not gonna take care of the pets or animals cos they just dont come from my loins.
Many guys are like this and should not be adoptive or stepparents. Women can be like this too, but I think less so due to maternal instinct.
 
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TheIndianGirl

Guest
I think it goes back to the primative nature of guys, an unrelated child may seem like an intruder/outsider and maybe competition. I think some animals are like this.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
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Many guys are like this and should not be adoptive or stepparents. Women can be like this too, but I think less so due to maternal instinct.
Rachel only counted her own child even though Leah had many sons
then Jacob only really rated Rachels two children. Even though he was the father of all the other 11.
 
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TheIndianGirl

Guest
Rachel only counted her own child even though Leah had many sons
then Jacob only really rated Rachels two children. Even though he was the father of all the other 11.
Maybe this is a common trait among men. I recently read the King of Siam, which is essentially Anna's autobiography, and it said there that the King only liked the children of the wives/concubines he preferred.
 

TMS

Senior Member
Mar 21, 2015
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Australia
Now, first and foremost, I am NOT looking for a date or a pity party. lol
I'm wondering how guys who are sold out to Jesus feel about Christian women who have messed up in their past and are now single moms? Opinions, thoughts, viewpoints and general comments are all welcome! ^_^
He that is without sin cast the first stone....

The relationship should be built on the present not the past.
No two situations are the same and with Jesus, grace, mercy and love should be seen.
 

BrotherMike

Be Still and Know
Jan 8, 2018
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If the man is responsible enough to love their child as if it was their own, then he is qualified to date a single mother, otherwise run the other way. Vice versa too
 

Orumah

New member
Apr 24, 2022
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They feel bad because it's not easy for a woman to be without a man.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
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They feel bad because it's not easy for a woman to be without a man.
Uh... You are saying this on a forum where there are quite a few women who are doing just fine without a man.

I would give you a list, but they probably don't want to be mentioned in this context. >.>

I'll just say that one of them has a dog named Iris, one has a flock of stuffed owls and one has the same wry look my pastor's wife has whenever people tell a bad joke.