You're a single mom who just met someone special and are certain it's the right time to introduce him to your kids. Pretty exciting but also a little nerve-racking. How will your kids respond to this new person in their single mom's life? Well, that I am not certain of, but there are many great ways to introduce your new best mate to your kids that will help make the transition for your kids and your new partner easier.
The whole "let's get ice cream and meet mom's new boyfriend" scenario is staid. It's awkward to be forced to sit and eat with someone you barely know, and older kids know that the ice cream part of the equation is a bit like bribery. Besides, your new partner can't interact with your children while eating. Skip the ice cream and hit the park, or if it's cold out, try an indoor amusement park or kids play place.
The park or play place may be a bit distracting for deep conversations, but let's face it: your kids aren't going to go for a deep talk on the first day. But the park will be a great place for your new partner to play and interact with your kids, plus your children will feel more relaxed in a fun place that they are already familiar with.
The other bonus? If your child is not thrilled or incredibly shy, he or she won't have to stare blankly at the new partner. Instead, he or she can play on the swings and approach this newcomer on his or her own terms. This also gives you a chance to see how your new partner is with children. If he can't get down on their level and play, well, Houston, we've (you've) got a big problem!
And if you're really sold on adding sweets to this first meetup, do the ice cream after the park, please!
If the two of you have kids as a single mom and single dad, it can be beneficial for you, your new partner, his kids, your kids, and a friend of yours and their kids to go out on group play dates. In a big group, it won't be so prominent that mom has a new man but instead a new friend that the kids can get to know. This can be a very nonthreatening way for both of you to meet your children.
Does your son or daughter love art or perhaps building toy trains? Invite your new love to an art or hobby class for all three of you to enjoy. It will be a nice way for your partner to see your child in action, and chances are, your kid will be in good spirits doing something he or she loves. A happy mood and child make for a smoother introduction. Make sure the class is short.
Here are some things to avoid and/or do when introducing your new partner to your kids:
Now that you've got some tips in your back pocket, best of luck, hang on tight, go with the flow, and enjoy your new relationship, single mom! You deserve love.