Wow, I hadn’t heard about this show. What a great idea! It’s a natural progression for reality TV, I suppose.

But I’m impressed that these single parents were able to take their dating “game” from online to cable! I’ve had friends tell me to ditch online dating and find a reality show to get me hitched - looks like they beat me to the punch!

Let us know how it turns out.

Dad’s House, maybe you can get cast for the second series? Yes?

I’m going to come off as a pretentious snob, but…”reality” shows… uhg! It’s the fast food of entertainment - cheap to make and no value added. As single parents, do we really have the time to waste watching these shows? Maybe we do, since we don’t get out enough! (I’m cutting SMS some slack since she needs to watch it for research…)

Thanks for cutting me some slack Phil… I’m embarrassed to admit that I watched these two episodes from Whole Foods (free Internet!) while Mae was at a birthday party. I mean, I should have been on a real date, right?

I really appreciate your opinion. Not snobbish at all.

a) singlemomseeking: THANK YOU!!! I’ve visited your website before & read about your own path to single parenthood and I’d like to sign up for your fan club - for someone whom I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting, you certainly seem to be an amazing woman and mother & I’m an admirer (in the non-creepy way, I swear!!)
b) David - THANK YOU!!! and might I just add: the charm, intelligence, good looks, and great attitude and outlook are all very, very true, as well as his being a phenomenal dad on top of it all
c) Phil - apart from the one exception we happen to be making every Tuesday night, we continue to be an almost-no TV household, and no reality TV other than our own is ever broadcast. The kids & I both have so many better things to do with our time than television - and doses of online Daily Show & NPR podcasts for me are perfect for staving off any channel-flipping cravings I might otherwise have after getting the kids to bed - so I agree with SMS, not snobbish at all!

Watching reality shows at Whole Foods? I’m having trouble even processing that… I don’t know, maybe “reality” dates are better.
I’m glad you don’t think I’m snobbish. I’ll try harder next time!

I watched the first episode and it was interesting. (I was blogging at the time, also, so at least I was doing two time wasters at once.) I would never go on a show like that! It would be way too weird. I can’t imagine walking into a room of six guys, all there to meet you. Those women are braver than I am. And what happens if you don’t like any of them? Do you have to pretend until the show is over? No thanks.

Oh no! Say it ain’t so! Reality TV dating is worse than JDate and that’s baaaad.

I think it’s great that they do background checks,but few of these tv romances ever work out, and now there are kids involved. Doesn’t sound to me like anyone is thinking about their kids at all.

I also believe that tv romances are based very much on appearances, and in real life there is more to someone about how he or she looks. I’ll be honest, I like me a handsome dude, but I have gone out with and really liked men who are not conventionally handsome. Plus, I have “must have’s” and I’m wondering if these women are allowed to have that before going on the show.

How do you think a Jewish-only Bachelorette would go? Or a Must Love Lox show about dating a Jewish single mom?

Its good fodder for me to write a story about, but I feel these shows are trivial and unrealistic.

Amy - the participants are and were thinking very much about their children in this; suitors & single mothers included. I understand you might not agree with the conclusions some/all of us reached, nor with the perceived situation/risks as you view them on your television, however please rest assured that EVERY participant was very cognizant and protective and thoughtful getting involved in this process and it was not taken lightly.

I have been watching. I would LOVE to be on the next season.

I like the blond with the son and the daughter…sadly I cannot remember her name, simply because I record so many reality tv shows on my DVR.

As far as the suitors go…again if one stuck out to me, I would never remember his name…I will have to watch this week and post an update.

I posted my comment before I read the others…specifically the one from Phil about single parents not having time to even watch reality TV shows.

After I put my daugher to bed on the weekends I usually spend a few hours catching up on my recorded fav. shows from the week…as I am usually home on Friday and Saturday nights.

Kristin: What an honor to hear from you! Thanks so much for commenting!
I really appreciate the way you interact with your kids in such a genuine way.

Thank you for addressing our concerns about your children were filmed by TLC, too.

Of course, I can’t help but ask how you managed to fit TV filming into your schedule? Wow. I heard the schedule was quite demanding, between your job, children, going on dates… Care to add anything?

Thanks!

Mom2Maddie: You’re thinking of Vanessa. She’s a fav for Just a Man’s Journey, too.

Phil: I DID use a headset while watching the show at Whole Foods. Hey, it was down the road from the birthday party, and I enjoyed a good salad!

Amy: Did you catch that David is Jewish? I think he might be the only Jewish suitor on the show?

Oy, Rachel, a Jewish single dad on a reality show…another JDater bites the dust.

(OK, I’m soured on the internet dating thing at the moment. My new relationship is over, at my insistence, but still…)

I’ve not watched the show–it does sound interesting and has a new flavor compared to other reality shows. I am keen on the idea of having the world see what it’s like to be a single mom–the daily grind, the amount of work we do alone, the limited finances for some of us, etc. There’s a lot of misconceptions about single parents–so I would hope that the show does a good job of allowing others to get a “taste” of single parenthood.

However, I wouldn’t do the show myself. I hate being put on the spot and often go blank when it happens. I also wouldn’t want to put my child in a position (she may like the idea of being on a show at the age of 6–what kid wouldn’t but I would be concerned about the long-term affect—would she resent me for putting her in front of the camera–the lack of privacy—and goodness, what if something embarrassing happens to me–wouldn’t that have an impact on her?

Maybe, I did get lucky—but I enjoy meeting a man the old fashion way–through attraction and admiration in person. Don’t shoot me–I’m plenty busy too–work full time, went to grad school and have my child 24/7.

I obviously havent see it! And am not averse to the idea but I personally wouldnt do it - lol - I dont really want my bad days on national tv!

And the guy meeting part - I really dont think I could do it so publicly!

Glad to see another single Jewish mom is out there and I agree, just like Match and eHarmony, I think JDate is a money pit! I personally don’t watch reality TV and, sorry, I am not starting now! I can get my updates here!

Thank you so much, Rachel. There’s not a whole lot that I’m allowed to add, however I can say that you’re right about the schedule. It was very intense and most days precluded the possibility of work, so personally I had to take vacation & squeeze in enough work in between filming to get by and make sure all my deadlines were met.

I’ve only watched the first episode, but I absolutely love Vanessa since she became a mom close to the same age as me. But I love the other two as well, so I really can’t pick a favorite.

Which suitor would I date? Um… none of them. They’re all too old. (The youngest is still 9 years older than me!) Actually, I couldn’t tell from the first episode alone who I liked the most (but I definitely know which ones I would NEVER date! lol)

Ladies, let me just tell you, I have known David for two years now and he is truly an amazing father, friend and from what I have witnessed from a distance, a great boyfriend. I have been watching the show and everything, EVERYTHING he has said or done is genuine David. The only thing I don’t like is that I feel that the shows producers haven’t captured just how playful and fun David can be not to mention dependable. This is a man who takes his boys to Legoland nearly every weekend, he has dinner with his parents every Tuesday night and his home and his life is open and inviting always. When the fires rages in CA last Oct he told me to bring my daughter (my husband was working out of town)and our dog to stay with him and many of his other friends and their children. The beds were all taken but there was plenty of floor space and he had sleeping bags. He had no reservations about making sure everyone he knew was okay and by extension reaching out out to take care of those who might need him. he has been there when many haven’t and helped me through some pretty hard times. David will always be one of our closest allies and friends. The right woman is out there, maybe it is Kristin. Whom ever she is, she will be one blessed lady to have his heart.

I just watched tonight’s episode…and I love David and Kristin together… but I am also aware of how these shows are edited sometimes to make you think one thing when really the person is really going to choose someone else. I enjoyed watching the two of them interact at dinner.

Wow, judging from what Carisa said, I want to date David if it doesn’t work out with Kristin!! He will probably have his own fan club after this show is over.

I am loving this tv show - it’s my new favorite as I can relate to all the emotions that the single moms are going through as they move through the dating process. I like how the producers cast 3 single moms with completely different personalities - but it appears their priorities are similar - all looking for a man who would be a good complement to their families as well as themselves.

Hi to Kristin - it’s fun to watch you on the show! I’m excited to see if you find a love match or not!

I would love to be on the show. I think it would be a blast as it’s hard to meet quality men over the age of 40… especially here in smuglymarriedville New England. The only hesitation would be introducing them to my son so early - I would never introduce a man friend to my son after Date #3 in real life! Thanks for the fun blog…

Curious,,, who is everyone’s favorite suitor (or guy they are pulling for) on the show? They don’t get much into knowing a lot about the guys….

Sue

I was pulling for Phillip but he didn’t make it very far…

Wait a sec, Phillip: were you pulling for yourself? Will the real Phillip please stand up?…

Single Mom in New England: You might need to venture out to southern California to date David… I think he wants to stick near his kids! Ask him to be your friend on MySpace?

Sue: I haven’t decided on my fav suitor yet. Hmmm.

Single Mom in New England - THANK YOU!!! In real life, things have to get pretty serious before introductions happen, so you & I are very much on the same page there. However, a lot of weighing of benefits & drawbacks and a lot of family discussion went into this reality decision we made, and even though I get nervous at times, I still feel we made the right choice to bend our rules and open our lives to a complete departure from our “norm” for the few weeks that we did - …and the 10 weeks that it airs
All - my two cents are that I think there should be a fanclub for Phillip, too - like I said, he’s a tough nut to crack, but he’s so completely worth the effort: an incredible dad & a great guy to get to know who can make almost anyone laugh. Carisa is spot on about David, I just wanted to make note that Phillip got closer to 15 seconds than 15 minutes of fame, and perhaps that retrospective 20/20 has shed some light on just how lucky some lady is going to be to have him as the winner of her “suitor” posse .

Of course I was pulling for myself! I just don’t think my calling is reality TV.

It was an interesting experience and I met some great people - Hopefully lifetime friends! Thanks for the kind comments Kristin!

Fan Club, I hadn’t thought of that…

Kristin you are incredible! I love the way you are able to keep such a fantastic attitude thru everything. I also really think that the job you are doing as a mom is fantastic! Those three kids of yours are wonderful examples of children being raised right. Phillip, I agree with your assessment and hope that lifetime friendships are being forged for all of the participants. Rachel, thanks so much for such a positive interview and kind words. Carisa, thanks for your kind words and great friendship. As for fan clubs- consider me a member of each of yours.

Ahhhhh, thanks David. I will be the President of the David Silver Fan Club and make sure the crazies stay away. Phillip, that is one of the pitfalls of having a “fan club”, you get the real, genuine, lovely ladies and then…..some….. other…. kinds…. of…….. ladies. Good luck to you in finding your one true love.
Love to you and the boys, David!
Carisa

Ok, well, Phillip, David and Kristin commented, I figured this must be some sort of reunion for our group, no?

Obviously, I’m pulling for myself to win Kristin’s heart, like Phillip is pulling for himself.

Whatever happens with the show, we had a great group of people and definitely some wonderful parents in our group! Kristin and her kids are wonderful, and I really got along great with both David and Phil while we were doing the show also.

Why no Luke Himebaugh fan club? I’m jealous David…

Fan Club……You’ve just been added!!! I really enjoyed getting to know you as well. As for a reunion- I’ll plan one for real after legal clears us all.

Ok gang. Can I hang? Who are we missing? Jason and James I think. Great show last night huh? One of my buddies called and asked me if I was with the two-headed girl on the show.

No Chris that was me. After I got the boot TLC set me up with her. It’s a new show coming out in the fall…

Sorry pal. You’re not the real Phil.

The show didn’t air last night here, anyone know anything? I live in Florida and they showed reruns on the two headed girls and the severly obese. I haven’t seen anything and was wondering if this happened to anyone else.

Chris, welcome to the fan club of fan clubs. The new show time is apparently 12:00 on Sundays. Here is a link to tlc’s site: http://tlc.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=2.14374.55942.35710.4

Make that Saturday’s not Sundays at noon.

Thanks Dave. You’re a cool guy and a great dad. Your boys look happy to be with you in all your pics (on myspace). That’s awesome dude!

[...] TLC has changed its schedule : Must Love Kids’ Publicity Director just emailed me to say the show now airs on Saturdays at [...]

This is the official schedule form the TLC website as it stands now. These are all new shows (all pacific time), not re-runs (r.i.p. Freddy) 8/9 Saturday at 12pm, 8/12 Tuesday at 9pm, 8/13 Wednesday at 5pm, and 8/19 Tuesday at 9pm. Looks like three more new shows after that. Might want to keep an eye on TLC’s website to make sure it doesn’t change.

Thanks for the updates guys! Whew.

It’s ironic that they’re sending me personal press releases to see if I want to blog about their new show, “Take Home Nanny.”
It covers MARRIED couples who have discipline problems. The first episode?

“Nanny Emma goes to visit the DiSomma- Faretras family. With three clingy daughters and a husband that is of no help, Mom is worried…”

I’m sorry, but I don’t see the connection to my readers at Single Mom Seeking.

My heart goes out to little Paris. I can guarantee that she herself does not enjoy acting that way. She must feel so overwhelmed and insecure. Kids need consistant rules and structure to feel safe. Then throw in the fact that different men, who aren’t Daddy, are coming around, must make her (and any child) feel a little threatened and lost in the mix. I’ll bet her Mom feels she has tried everything and that’s got to be exhausting. It’s easier said then done, but she should get some help as far as parenting classes. My husband and I tried some and they were very helpful. I don’t know, maybe the dating can wait a few years. Once you blink, the kids will be off to college!

Kristin
one I think YOUR AWESOME just for participating in this blog.
I agree with the others you ARE a wonderful Mom..your kids are Blessed!

I know you have already chosen your guy but I have my fav of which one.

Just wanted to say I think your doing a great job in raising your kids..
I don’t watch reality tv but this one caught my eye and I LOVE IT!

does anyone know if there is a blog where Vanessa posts to? Tracy?

Okay, now I feel really bad that I never responded when David contacted me through an online dating website. David, I apologize. If you read this, it really had nothing to do with you, and everything to do with me being scared. Good luck to you.

Tecora - Thank you so much!!! Thank you for watching the show, but most especially thank you for the compliment - being a mom is the greatest role I have in life, and hearing that I might be doing alright at it really does float my boat!!
So… do I get to find out?? Who’s your favorite?!
-K

Kristin
you might have read that in another blog by teclils…

it is Luke your navy man….something about his evenness (is that a word? LOL) and how he seems to calm down with you and the kids and even when his and yours were together…I really like how he is attentive to you and how he can sneak in a little touch of the arm etc in the middle of 5 screaming kids…

singlemomseeking…I have a question for you can you shoot me an email?

omgosh Kristin your kids are so dang cute…just watched ep 8…have to run but I just wanted to say how cute your kids are

Thanks so much, Tecora - they truly light up my life & I know I’m a very lucky mom!!

[...] Many of you have asked for updates about these moms and their suitors. Now that the show is over, let’s hear from you! TLC had a very strict don’t-talk policy with these single moms and their suitors: I had to get the “okay” with the authorities to write about the show here. [...]