Dating After Divorce - How to Introduce Your Children to Your New Partner

Divorce can be a hard situation to go through. When children are also in the picture, another level of difficulty is added on top of that. Whether they are young children or older, it can be a difficult transition for parents to move on, not necessarily because of their own limitations, but because of their children's ability to cope with change. So how can a divorced parent introduce their new partner to their children? Here are some tips:

Younger children, such as infants and toddlers, don't quite understand the concept of divorce at that age, which can make things easier. Explaining to your child that you are going to see a "friend" and that you'll be back soon may be just enough for them to begin coping with the change. Preschoolers may require a bit more explanation, for example, saying that the child will be in bed by the time they get home will not only help them understand that you're seeing a friend, but reassuring them that you're coming back and within a time frame.

As children reach elementary school age, being honest about what you're doing and where you're going is a great way to engage your children in the relationship. Letting them know you're going to see a movie or go out to dinner is a good start. Then following that up with getting them excited about meeting your new "friend" could also help ease the transition of introducing the partner to the family.

As children get older, into their pre-teens to their twenties, talking honestly about the prospect of dating again may be the best tool to prevent any awkward situations going forward. Get their input. They may be OK with you going out on a Friday night with someone. However this doesn't mean that you have to get their permission at all. Reassuring the child that you would still make time for them could be the best way to make sure that they know they are still important to you, even with a new person in your life.