Mom, There's a Man in the Kitchen and He's Wearing Your Robe: The Single Mom's Guide to Dating Well Without Parenting Poorly (Paperback)

by Ellie Slott Fisher (Author)
Key Phrases: sex buddy, Thing Of The Past, Mom Goes Hunting, The First Date (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Dating is hard at any age, but dating as a suddenly "uncoupled" mother comes with an entirely new set of challenges, which Fisher explores in a realistic, nonjudgmental fashion. "As... I prepared to reenter the dating world," she says, "my parents were no longer waiting up for me. Instead, my children were." In the voice of a trusted girlfriend, Fisher delivers honest advice, a fresh perspective and comic relief as she guides newly single moms toward the goal of dating well without parenting badly: "When you begin dating, your judgment becomes impaired. You worry about your children's behavior and don't even consider your own. You often don't think about how you've slipped from being Carol Brady to Peggy Bundy." Having been through the dating-while-parenting experience twice—once as a widow, once as a divorcée—Fisher seamlessly combines her own hard-won wisdom (date only when you feel ready) with the anecdotal experiences of other mothers (never assume that your child is sound asleep when your date turns passionate). Practical tips for how to meet men (including an excellent chapter on how to use the Internet safely) and quips from the children of dating moms ("I just don't want to see or hear about it") round out this useful book.
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Review
"A warm-hearted, wonderful book...offers comfort and practical advice from someone who's been there." -- Trenton Times5/21/05

"Fisher's clear and humorous approach and down-to-earth advice should help maintain healthy relationships among everyone involved." -- Library Journal 2/1/05

"[Fisher has] a fine-tuned blather detector as well as a great sense of humor...[with] great insights." -- Dallas Morning News 2/13/05

"[Fisher] combines humor with wisdom." -- New Orleans Times-Picayune 2/21/05

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (January 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738209805
• ISBN-13: 978-0738209807
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #623,866 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars well done, but mostly for mom's and a bit lightweight, December 19, 2005

By	bearded academic (East Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews

I read this book from the perspective of a single father who is dating because some
of the reviews suggested men would find it useful. And it was useful. It did gracefully discuss issues such as what to tell the kids, things to avoid, etc.

But it was clearly written for mothers; and, indeed, single mothers who have their
kids almost all the time. I also noted a lack of studies supporting the advice and,
indeed, most child-development advice seems to come from one expert (!?).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful, August 22, 2005

By	Luke's Single Mom - See all my reviews

I found this book to be very helpful. I like that it was written by someone who has been there (twice), rather than a doctor/professional who has theories but no personal experience. I bought this book because I couldn't find any detailed information online regarding single-mom dating past the point of meeting someone and the initial introduction to the kids. This book goes into topics like public displays of affection, sleep-overs, moving in together, getting remarried, etc. I also like that it discusses all different age groups. Now that I've read it, my boyfriend is reading it too. It is written from the woman's perspective, but a man would certainly benefit from the information. As long as he can ignore or get past some occasional ex-husband bashing within the stories.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Words of wisdom in a cute cover!, March 20, 2006

By	Mazsika (MD, United States) - See all my reviews

This book, though a fun quick read, contains gems of wisdom on topics ranging from what to expect from your kids, depending on their ages, and when and whether to introduce your new flame to them, to how to handle your boyfriend sleeping over. Whether you're just recently single again, or have been out of the dating scene for years, this book offers sound advice peppered with humor. It was very helpful and reassuring to me to be reminded that there are millions of single moms out there, and we all go through similar challenges in trying to find someone worth spending time with and exposing your children to! I've already lent this book to a friend!