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When You Start Dating
Re-entering the dating world as a parent requires thoughtfulness about how and when to involve your children.
Before you introduce anyone:
- Wait until serious: Most experts recommend waiting at least 6 months of exclusive dating
- Be emotionally ready: Are you dating for the right reasons, not just loneliness or revenge?
- Consider your children's adjustment: Are they still processing the divorce?
- Vet the person: Do they understand and accept your role as a parent?
Introducing a new partner to your children:
- Tell your co-parent first: Courtesy matters, and surprises from children cause conflict
- Start casual: Brief meetings in public, group settings
- Don't rush overnights: Wait until the relationship is clearly long-term
- Let relationships develop naturally: Don't force kids to like your partner
- Watch for signs of discomfort: Children may need more time or space
Ongoing guidelines:
- Keep new partners out of co-parenting decisions and conflicts
- Don't expect your partner to take on a parenting role immediately
- Maintain your children's routines and relationships
- Be prepared for mixed reactions from children
- Don't compare your dating life to your ex's
Children need time to adjust. Introducing partners too quickly or having a series of short-term partners meet your children can cause confusion and loyalty conflicts.
Checklist
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