As moms we are on a constant quest to find others just like us. Women with the same aged children who share our hobbies, our passions, and our mothering style...We seek out these hidden gems on the playground, at the park, Gymboree, gymnastics classes, mom's groups, even at the grocery store. Our children gravitate to others the same age and we pray as we search for the mother in question that she will be 'normal' - or at least enough so to tolerate while the babes play with one another. Just as in dating, an awkward conversation often ensues...'How old is your child?' 'Are you from here?' 'Those are such cute...they have on.' Unlike dating there is no alcohol to ease the sometimes uncomfortable silences or strange turns the conversation can take. Once I met a woman who insisted on telling me why she was at the park with her children and not her nanny. Apparently the nanny was having surgery. Hmmm.... The good news is that we have our children as a way to excuse ourselves...'Oh, you want to swing now sweetie?' as we make a beeline far far away from the offender.

Other times the individual is just too much to take in. Ever 'play' with a hoverer?' You know the type. Or a hitter that never gets corrected by mom? What about whiners? They are the worst...

Every once in awhile you hit the jackpot. The mom is 'the one.' You know this because conversation moves quickly from children to our own hobbies, Cardinals games, yoga, theater, celebrity gossip. You know, whatever your thing happens to be. You ask for her information. You get the digits. Now once again, just as in dating, there are rules to follow. You have finally found her and you don't want to scare her off by calling too soon. What if she wasn't as into you as you were to her? You wait a couple of days.

What will you suggest for a playdate? You don't want to make it too great (i.e. a first date with a 7course meal and a $200 bottle of wine) because then the relationship has no where to go but downhill from there. You could have them to your house to play but then you have to clean.

What will you serve as a snack? You can't be too over the top. I mean, vegan/organic/locally grown/soy-dairy-peanut-treenut free is fine and all but a little over the top for your first go round and pre-packaged rice krispy treats are definitely off the list (one of the babes faves right now)- too much sugar. You don't want to be that mom- the sugar mom.

So assuming it all goes well you have officially entered into a dating relationship. You are a dating mom. You are a mom dating other moms and their children. You must court them and keep them. Break ups are tough. Bump-ins with an ex is even tougher.

And you thought that when you walked down that rose strewn aisle wearing your white satin gown you were done with all this. HA! No no my friends. The dating game begins again...