| Meeting a single parent's children can be a daunting | | | | are ready. Don't let the other person push you, and be |
| prospect for anyone dating a doting mother or father. | | | | honest about misgivings. You may genuinely care |
| When the inevitable occasion arises, it can provoke | | | | about the person, but once you are introduced into a |
| numerous concerns for both involved parties, with the | | | | child's life, you can't take it back. |
| newcomer to the scene pondering questions like:o Will | | | | There are so many responses, from clinginess to |
| his/her kid(s) like me?o Am I ready for this?o What if | | | | standoffishness, that can occur after a child meets |
| things don't work out between us?o How do I | | | | you. To that end, you would hate to establish a |
| approach this situation? | | | | relationship with the child and realize you were only in |
| With so much at stake, a fairly straightforward | | | | the relationship with the parent for kicks. If you begin to |
| occurrence can turn into a nerve wracking one. | | | | realize that you can't handle the situation, bow out. |
| Take a Deep Breath and Relax | | | | Better to do this than to string the parent and the kids |
| It is very good that you have these concerns. It shows | | | | along if your intentions are not real. |
| you care about the person you are with as well as the | | | | The Kids are a Package Deal |
| well-being of his or her child. That said, the meeting isn't | | | | Far too often singles who date an individual with |
| a literal do or die, so calm down and just be you. | | | | children expect them to choose between the date and |
| Remember, if you try too hard you will come off as | | | | the kids. You must remember that the children were |
| phony, and kids smell that a mile away. You must also | | | | and will forever be a part of the parent's life. In this |
| reconcile yourself to the fact that the child may resent | | | | regard, the advice when meeting children of a single |
| you no matter what you do or say. | | | | parent is to come to grips with the situation or simply |
| The best advice when meeting the children of | | | | leave. No one has the right to ask a parent to choose |
| someone you are dating is to take it a day at a time | | | | between their offspring and a new romance. |
| and see where things go. Also, read the signs. If the kid | | | | Meeting a single parent's children can be a rewarding |
| isn't very responsive, be friendly but keep your | | | | experience with the right mindset. Even if things do not |
| distance a bit. Let them warm up to you. Pushing will | | | | work out, you would have enriched the kid's lives with |
| only make them retreat. If you are trying to build a | | | | love and companionship, affecting them in a deep and |
| rapport that is the last thing you want. | | | | meaningful way. Who knows, you may even discover |
| Taking that Big Step | | | | a thing or two about yourself in the process, which can |
| Make sure that when you start discussing the | | | | be equally enriching. |
| possibility of meeting a single parent's children that you | | | | |