As we all know, dating is difficult without having children. So, imagine the complexity involved when one or both people have children. No two people have the same mindset or even values. Therefore, agreeing on the timing of involving the children is ridiculously crazy. The number one question becomes “When do I introduce my kids to someone I am dating?” Unfortunately, this isn’t an easy question. There are many factors to take into consideration.

    Are you casually dating or building a future?

    How long have you and your ex been apart?

    How do the children handle the absence of the other parent?

    Is you ex dating?

If so, how do the children deal with it?

    Is there a relationship with the person the other parent is dating?

    Overall, how do the children feel about you dating?

These are just some of the questions that should be considered. You may not have all these answers, but thinking about them is important.

Once you decide it is time to tell the kids you are dating and thinking about letting them meet that person, you must decide how you are going to do it. I suggest a fun activity so the introduction and conversation will be light. You don’t want it to be stressful. The interaction should progress naturally. You don’t want to force anything beyond starting a dialogue.