Tips On Telling Your Children That You Are Dating Again
As a single parent, you have likely fallen into a daily routine that in many ways revolves around your children. Helping with homeworking problems, running carpools to and from soccer practice and baking cookies for a bake sale might be the kinds of things that consume your week. When you decide to start dating again after a divorce or death, your everyday habits may change. Being a responsible parent usually means informing your child of these possible changes and discussing your choice to start dating in general.
Although a variety of factors can contribute to how you should handle telling your children about your decision, such as their relationship with your former spouse, the role you play in their life or their current ages, it is often best to be as forward as possible. Consider having a direct conversation with your children and be open to what they have to say.
When having the initial conversation, do not be afraid to ask how he is feeling about this and if he has any questions. If you have already met someone that you think you may have a future with, be candid about this with your child. This is important because the longer you wait to tell him, the greater the risk is that he will be upset that you were not honest from the beginning.
It is vital for the well being of many children that you take the time to reassure them. Be sure to remind them that the relationship you share will remain unchanged, even if other aspects of your life are slightly altered. It may also be a good idea to propose that your children meet your new romantic interest. Most children will be more receptive to this change if they are involved.
