One of the relationship questions I get that comes up often by my clients is about when to meet the kids.\u00a0\u00a0 There are many factors to consider:\u00a0 the age of the child(ren),\u00a0 the length of time you are dating, the circumstances under which you met your partner and whether this is a serious relationship\u00a0 or leading to a more committed arrangement.<\/p>\n
I remember when I was dating I really did not want to meet a child until I knew that our love relationship was exclusive, monogamous and moving in a direction of further commitment.\u00a0\u00a0 However, one man I dated I met through a social\/support group where we were all going though our divorces at the same time.\u00a0 He also had full custody of his son so he didn\u2019t have the time apart like many divorced dads.\u00a0 So I did meet the son very early in our relationship.\u00a0\u00a0 We told his 10 year old son that I was Dad\u2019s friend and we were careful not show any physical\u00a0 affection when we were around his son.\u00a0\u00a0 This was early in my dating history when I was separated and in the process of getting divorced in my mid thirties.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One of my clients expressed that he met the child too early in the relationship and that as a couple they did not get enough one on one adult time.\u00a0 Most of their activities involved the child. He felt this was a mistake and would now set a boundary about not meeting the child(ren) so soon.\u00a0 This way he could get to know the woman without the distraction of the child to see if there was really a connection between them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I also have heard stories about the person who is without children feeling attached to the children and then having to lose that relationship when the couple breaks up.\u00a0\u00a0 It can be heartbreaking on both sides.\u00a0 So my dating advice to women and men is to err on the side of caution.\u00a0 Wait until you are dating exclusively and know
\nthat you are moving towards a more committed arrangement before meeting the children.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is important to see how well you get along with the child(ren) before considering engagement.\u00a0\u00a0 I have seen relationship break up because of difficulties with the child and when children from both
\nsides don\u2019t get along.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Believe it or not, older children (who get to vote) are more difficult to meet than younger children who are more open and accepting.\u00a0 One of my female clients was dating her boyfriend for two year before he would introduce her to his children who was in their late teens and in college.\u00a0\u00a0 First, this man was afraid to have both of his worlds meet.\u00a0 He liked the situation with my client being as an oasis when just being the two of them.\u00a0 He did eventually introduce her to his children (they were curious about his girlfriend) and it worked out beautifully.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So each situation is different for each set of circumstances.\u00a0 When did you meet the kids of the person you were in a serious relationship?\u00a0 What were the factors that mattered to you when dating and children were in the picture?\u00a0 What worked and what didn\u2019t?\u00a0<\/p>\n
This inquiring relationship coach wants to know your answers to these questions and any comments you may have on this subject. (Click comment link at the end of this blog post)<\/p>\n
Your relationship coach,<\/p>\n
Amy One of the relationship questions I get that comes up often by my clients is about when to meet the kids.\u00a0\u00a0 There are many factors to consider:\u00a0 the age of the child(ren),\u00a0 the length of time you are dating, the circumstances under which you met your partner and whether this is a serious relationship\u00a0 or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[44,5,33],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nP.S.\u00a0 Get your relationship questions answered!\u00a0 Subscribe to my emails to get helpful dating and relationship advice and tips to move you forward towardsyour goal of meeting a partner for a committed serious relationship or to enhance your existing love relationships at www.heartmindconnection.com<\/a> .\u00a0 You can sign up for my next
\ntele-gathering there.\u00a0\u00a0 Also, you can download a free chapter of relationship advice from my book, “Get It Right This Time-How to Find and Keep Your Ideal Romantic Relationship” at www.GetItRightThisTime.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"