I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather (it’s 90 degrees in San Diego), the celebration of Osama’s death getting people riled up (gross), or the Royal Wedding, but people have been talkin’ sex this week. Not only are Australian dudes having “too much” sex, but fat people are “unsatisfied,” and now single parents might be more DTF!?

According to Jezebel, that is the case – based on a Match.com survey,

21% of single parents are currently dating someone versus 16% of singles without kids; 35% of single parents have been on a first date in the past year versus 27% of singles without kids.

Of course, as the author points out, we can’t be sure exactly of what “dating” means. It could mean anything from “have been on one date” to “are in an exclusive relationship,” although that’s probably not the case considering they’re still on Match.com.

So comes the all-important question – would you date a single mom or dad? Considering that question is often prominently featured in online dating questionnaires, it must be an important topic for people. Before you consider a relationship with a single parent, though, you should probably consider a couple factors:

1.What type of relationship you are looking for

There is a reason there is MILF porn. A lot of guys think the idea of having a booty call or Friends With Benefits relationship with a more experienced woman would be awesome. However, many single mothers who are in the dating scene aren’t looking for a casual relationship. Be sure to get your intentions on the table early.

2. Whether or not they have sole custody

Even if you are both looking for just a hook up relationship, you should take into account whether or not your dates kid will be around every time you see each other. If that’s the case, you might want to reconsider the complications that you might cause between someone and their child if you are around a lot but don’t want to have a relationship with them.

3. How their relationship is with their kid

You can tell a lot about a person based on their relationship with their child. Are they close? Do they make an effort to see their kid often? And if not, are they providing financially and/or taking the time to build a relationship with them? Of course there are always exceptions, where the other parent makes things difficult or the child lives far away, but you might not want to get caught up with someone who is a deadbeat mom or dad.

4. PROTECTION

Remember, the reason someone is a single parent is because the relationship that conceived the child wasn’t meant to be. And although the kid is probably loved and taken care of, you need to make sure you think of yourself first! Always have protection and USE IT. We’re all grown ups here, it’s not a sixth grade awkward sex ed class anymore. Just DO IT!

What do you think? Would you date and/or hook up with a single parent? Or are people with kids off limits?