A few years ago, I had a strict rule about dating a girl with a kid. I would not date a girl with a kid, absolutely NOT.
Now, on November 21, 2009, I will have my one year anniversary with my girlfriend, who has a 5 year old daughter. She is one of the most incredible women I have ever met. I have a great time with her, our chemistry is amazing. She is absolutely gorgeous with an incredible body. I was even debating marriage with her, she has hinted at the thought numerous times BUT
I can't deal with the daughter. She is five going on six and she is absolutely the THE WORST behaving kid I have ever dealt with. And my girl is not helping out with the situation, she lets her get away with murder because she feels guilty that the girls father is out of the picture. I keep telling her that this is not healthy for the girl; no discipline, no rules. The father is an alcoholic, drug user and a career criminal; constantly in jail. He only calls once a month if ever, when he's not in jail, and he only calls to try and talk to her. Luckily, she can't stand him and she finds him repulsive. Sometimes, he calls and doesn't even ask about the child. I feel sympathy for the daughter but she hasn't had the father in her life since she was 1 1/2 so it hasn't really affected her and she doesn't even ask about him. The problem is that she realizes that the mother "feel's sorry" for her and takes advantage of the situation to the fullest. She has realized this but hasn't been able to resolve the problem. It is really affecting our relationship and putting a constant strain everyday.
The problem with all of this is that I love this girl and could really see myself with her for a long time, even marriage and children. But that issue is holding me back, in the end, I think I will just eventually break it off.
I'm 27 and she is 28, I hate to say this but if I would have meet her a few years ago without a child, I wouldn't leave her for anything.
My advice, If you're in your 20's or 30's, date them and have fun but don't get too serious. If you're in your 40's or above, the children should be older in age where it isn't that much of a problem.
My :2 cents: