We both have the same kind of situation. Both single parents. I've known her for a long time. We've talked more recently. And she's easy on the eyes. That's always a plus. And I see her trying hard to get to meetings and such like I do with the kids, so it shows she has some strength.
Well, my general opinion is that any relationship should always start as a friendship. If you're not comfortable talking to each other as friends then you're definitely not going to be comfortable on a date, and it will show. It's really hard to give specific advice on your situation, since it all depends on how comfortable you are with each other and how sure you are that you want to get to know her better. If you're pretty sure, then I would say just to tell her that you'd like to get to know her better.