Singles: Probably no child, even a grown child, ever gets over the hope his/her parents will get back together. Once you start to date, that possibility begins to look dimmer. More about singles and single parents dating:
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After you start dating, be prepared for a certain amount of
apprehension and even misbehavior. Probably no child, even a grown child, ever gets over the hope his/her parents will get back together. Once you start to date, that possibility begins to look dimmer. Your children want you to be happy, but they do not want their other parent replaced. Most children feel threatened when you start dating. Don't let your behavior change greatly, especially in the presence of your dates. For example, you usually spend time with your child alone. Now you primarily have time for your date, even when the child is present. In addition, most children feel their own relationship with you is threatened when you start dating. It is important to reassure your children that you love them by your words. But it is also important to reassure them by your actions. Don't let your behavior toward them change greatly, especially in the presence of your dates. Three examples of changing behavior are: 1.You are normally patient, but lose that patience when your date is around. 2. You usually spent time with them alone. Now suddenly the time you spend with them is shared with your date, also. 3. You have a completely different set of rules about behavior when the date is present and when the date is absent. No child needs a confusing array of dates and possible new partners constantly marching through his/her life. Consider delaying the introduction of your new partner until the relationship is changing from casual to serious. A good rule-of-thumb is to wait until you are sure there is a good possibility of a long-term relationship with the person you introduce. This may not be possible if the child(ren) live with you on a daily basis. It should be easily accomplished, however, if you are a week-end parent or the parent of grown-and-gone children. |
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