Dad Shopping

I have a theory on dating called "man shopping" but what about when you are also "dad shopping"?

By Alaina Sheer

I've been applying my man shopping theory to dating for years now and it's paid off. I've avoided most of the bad boys and only kept them around if I wanted them around. But what happens when it gets serious? What happens when there's a chance this will evolve into a full on relationship with a path straight toward the pearly white and (quite frightening) marriage gates.

I've recently started seeing a man who is very serious about his intentions in our budding relationship. He wants us, both Benjamin and I and he's not afraid to express these feelings. And in fairness to each other we are both going to promise to let the other know the minute we think it may not work. We're both 30. I have a little family of two. He wants a family. We're both 30-years-old and time, we agree, is of the essence.

But for now, in this moment of our relationship (the beginning), we are treating it as if it has a long term future. So my mind, as a mother, is crossing off the "would be a good dad check list?"

Here is my dad shopping list:

1. He wants children of his own.
2. He jumps at the chance to make a grocery run for us when we're sick.
3. He talks about teaching my son how to play baseball and all of that other dad stuff fathers are supposed to do.
4. He says this is the beginning of something beyond words.
5. He can't wait to introduce my son to his family.
6. He isn't addicted to video games.
7. He has a college degree.
8. His list of what qualities his children will have matches mine.
9. He is not opposed to being a stay at home dad.
10. And finally, his family comes first in his own life so you know his wife and children will too.

That's my list. And just a note - this is not my husband list, just my dad list. What's on your dad list? If you're a married mom what makes your husband a great father?