My custody agreement has been solid for about a year and I'm starting to see someone new. My kids are 7 and 10. We're not serious yet but it's getting there. I'm nervous about how to bring this up to them without freaking them out or making them think I'm replacing their mom. Any of you guys navigated this? How did you approach it?
This is tricky territory. I'd say keep it simple at first - just mention you're seeing someone without making it a big deal. Let them ask questions. Kids are usually more concerned about whether it affects their time with you than anything else.
Good on you for thinking this through before it becomes a conversation they overhear or find out about. I'd suggest being honest but age appropriate. What's the custody split like - do they spend equal time at both places?
Solid year to wait before bringing someone new around. How old are your kids? That's going to matter a lot for how you frame it. I'm dealing with similar stuff and timing is everything.
My ex started dating again last year and it threw my kids for a loop even though they were expecting it. I think the key is being honest without oversharing. They don't need to know everything, just enough to help them feel secure. How old are yours?
This is such a tough conversation. I went through this about two years ago and honestly I just kept it really simple with my kids at first. I told them that I care about them the most and that wasn't changing no matter what. Are your kids in the older range where they can understand more?
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Been there man. The guilt can be real even when you know logically that you deserve to be happy too. Just take it slow and let them adjust at their own pace. Don't bring her around for a while.