When Parents Date

When parents date, it creates anxiety in children. The changes and losses they have gone through often cause them to feel insecure. They may become withdrawn and rebellious or over attached to you. Each child, depending on age and personality, will react differently. But it is important to understand that they are struggling. Below are a few tips to help your child adjust to the idea of you dating.

• Give them reassurance.

  They need to know that their relationship with you will not change because you are beginning to date. If you child feels secure in their relationship with you, they are less likely to feel threatened or afaid. Don’t allow dating to interfere with visitation schedules or normal child/parent activities. Quality time with you tells your child they are important and that you are paying attention to their needs.

• Allow your child to express all their feelings about your dating.

  Listen and show concern, do not over react by yelling, judging or criticizing them or their feelings. The goal is to help them express their needs and feelings about the situation without doing damage. Don’t ignore it or try and gloss over it just because you are uncomfortable with it.

• Don’t introduce casual dating partners to your children.

  Children become attached easily and then suffer more loss. Having a revolving door with many short - term relationships in your child’s life causes...read more dating tips