First time meeting new GF with the kids - tips?

Nov 22·1 min read

I've been seeing someone for 4 months and things are getting serious. My kids (ages 6 and 8) will meet her for the first time this weekend - just casual, we're going to the park. I'm nervous as hell. How did you guys handle this? Should I talk to my ex first? I'm not planning on introducing her as anything other than a friend, but my kids already ask about the person in my Instagram photos lol. Any advice appreciated.

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Comments(3)

RRob K.Regular1d ago

Did you already tell your ex about this meeting or are you planning to give her a heads up first? I learned the hard way that my co-parent finding out through the kids was... not great. Now I always give her a courtesy text like 'hey, friend coming to the park with us' so there's no surprises. Makes everything smoother honestly.

RRaj P.Regular1d ago

This is solid planning. A few things that helped me: (1) don't overthink it - it's just a park, (2) give her a quick heads-up about what your kids like so she can ask them about stuff, (3) don't have her try too hard. My current wife's first meet was at the zoo and she just... was herself? Didn't try to be "the fun new person" and the kids respected that way more. Also yeah definitely tell your ex beforehand - not for permission, just as a courtesy. We co-parent better when there's no surprises.

TTom E.Regular1d ago

lol the Instagram photos question is peak 2024 parenting. honestly I'd just keep it simple - "this is my friend Sarah, she's gonna hang with us" and let it go naturally from there. kids don't really care unless YOU make it weird. the park is perfect btw, neutral ground, easy to bail if it gets awkward. 4 months in is reasonable timing too.