I was widowed in 2003. My daughters were 3 and 5 at the time. A year later, I met my "now" husband. I made it clear from day one that I was interested in a permanent relationship, not casual dating. He is 8 years older than I. This is his first marriage and "our" daughters are his only children. Most of the women in the "dating pool" in his age range have children.
We dated for a year before he met my daughters. We will celebrate our second wedding anniversary next month. So, some men are open to joining an established family.