Dating is complicated enough without the additional guilt, time constraints and emotional tug-of-war that can occur when divorced or separated parents venture back into the singles scene. It's such a difficult task for some moms and dads that they simply choose not to do so.

But there's no need to swear off relationships entirely until your kids are out of the house. With a little bit of thought and preparation, you can balance parenting and dating and achieve happiness — and success — in both areas of your life.

To help you along the way, here are a few common questions posed by newly single parents — as well as some answers, insights and advice from two relationship experts.

Is it best to date another single parent?

That depends. It's true that nobody will understand the trials and tribulations of solo parenting better than someone going through the same thing, Kaiser says. And single parents also are more likely to understand that your primary responsibility is your children's welfare.

On the other hand, the fact that they have children, too, makes a potential union that much more complicated. Regardless of whether the people you date have children or not, they should like kids and respect your parental commitments.

When is it OK to start dating again?

Whenever you feel ready, says Stacy Kaiser, a licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert from Los Angeles, noting that there are no hard and fast rules. "I've talked to people who feel ready right away and others that took two to three years," she says.

There are, however, some definite right and wrong reasons to start dating. "The wrong reason is to find a replacement spouse, and the right reason is to find someone who will enhance your life and add to it," Kaiser says.

How do I meet someone?

Wendy Kaufman, chief executive officer of Balancing Life's Issues Inc., a corporate training and coaching firm in Ossining, N.Y. — and a former single mom of three until she remarried in 2006 — encourages parents to tap several networking venues at a time, including traditional resources such as referrals from friends and online dating sites (). You also might try hanging out at bookstores, going on cruises or volunteering.

Is it best to date another single parent?

That depends. It's true that nobody will understand the trials and tribulations of solo parenting better than someone going through the same thing, Kaiser says. And single parents also are more likely to understand that your primary responsibility is your children's welfare.

On the other hand, the fact that they have children, too, makes a potential union that much more complicated. Regardless of whether the people you date have children or not, they should like kids and respect your parental commitments.

When do I tell the person I'm seeing that I have kids?

Right away. Experts agree that if you feel you can't be honest about your children with a potential mate, chances are slim that he or she is the right person for you.

Does my new mate have to be willing to co-parent?

Kaiser and Kaufman agree that any person you introduce to your kids should co-parent to some degree — although the degree of involvement will vary from family to family.

The new person often takes on a supporting role to the biological parent — the one who's likely to remain the primary disciplinarian, Kaufman says. Still, the rule is that there are no rules when it comes to what works best in a newly blended family.

How do you know when to get serious about someone?

Again, there's no way to tell for sure. But if the person you're dating is good for you, complements your moral framework and likes your children, then that's a great start!