Pro tip: Talking to kids about new girlfriend

Jan 4·1 min read

Just wanted to share something that worked for us. Instead of just springing my new girlfriend on my kids (8, 11), I told them first that I was seeing someone and asked how they'd feel meeting her. Let THEM ask questions. Didn't show pictures, didn't oversell it, just answered what they asked.

When they met her a month later, no big drama. She came to a baseball game, got ice cream after, totally casual. Kids didn't feel blindsided and my ex couldn't accuse me of sneaking around. Win-win.

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Comments(6)

PPaul M.New DadJan 4

This is solid advice. I just dumped my girlfriend announcement on my kids and it went pretty rough. Wish I'd had this approach.

NNathanNew DadJan 5

The gradual introduction thing makes so much sense. Kids aren't stupid, they can tell when something's being hidden from them.

BBrad T.New DadJan 5

How did your ex react to you sharing this approach with the kids? Wondering if there was any tension there.

TTyler S.New DadJan 5

What if the kids really don't like the new girlfriend though? Did you have a backup plan for that situation?

AAndy T.RegularJan 6

This really helped me when I was in a similar situation last year. Having honest conversations with my 8 and 10 year old about dating again was awkward but way better than sneaking around.

VVincentNew DadJan 5

Did you do this with both kids at the same time or talk to them individually?