If you are a single parent who is ready to enter the dating field, it is likely that you have a great deal of questions about dating. Things have gotten more complicated since your early dating days. Now you have children to worry about. Here are some common questions new divorcees have as they begin to date again: How long should I wait? When is the right time to introduce my child to someone I am dating? You m ay want to consider your unique situation, the age if your child, and any particular restrictions that were in your divorce settlement.
It may be a good idea to allow 6-12 months of adjustment time before you start dating. As you slowly begin to date, try to do so on your own time, such as when your children are with the other parent. This can help give you the time you need to learn about the person you are dating before they have to meet your child. There are many good reasons for doing this. First, you child will not continue to have people come in and out of their lives. Also, it will allow you to make sure that the people you date are going to be around a while. When you are sure that you are in a serious monogamous relationship with a significant other, you can begin to mention that you are dating to your child casually. For instance: “I met a really nice guy named Bob and we have been spending time together.” In the beginning, this is all that is necessary and the topic can be set aside unless more questions are asked.
When you first introduce your significant other to the children, you can make it short and sweet by having a sitter set up and having your date pick you up. After this, you can plan a follow-up opportunity for all to go out to dinner together or another activity. If they also have children, try not to bring them into the situation yet. For more information about the dating process, click here.
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