Introducing Your Child To Someone You Are Dating
Children are usually the last to know about significant changes in the relationship status of their parents, and this can lead to a great deal of insecurity, anxiety, and even mistrust in the parent/child relationship. For a child who has already had a “last to know” experience in the form of divorce, status changes need to be handled pro-actively.
It is not necessary to introduce your child to every person that you date, and in truth, that can be informational and emotional overload for a kid. But when someone comes along who has survived the first three or four dates, it’s time to prepare your child to meet your new prospect. While only you can determine where the relationship is going, there are a few things that bear repeating whenever someone new enters the picture:
1. You love your child, and although you make the decisions in this area, you value their input.
2. You are not trying to replace their other parent. For the moment, this person is just a friend.
3. It’s too soon to tell if this relationship has a future. You are just getting to know each other.
With open communication and a healthy dose of hugs, you can help your child accept this new person in a self-assured and realistic way.