Dating with Children

I am here sitting watching the "Wendy Williams Show". A young lady said that she is on a dating prowl. She wanted to know when to introduce her date (that she is serious about) to her child. So I will take the liberty to discuss this you.

As a single mother, I made a lot of mistakes when it came to dating and my children. Early on, I would let my dates meet my children. I did not think anything of it. I thought my children did not even care that I dated. At that time, my thought process was that children were seen and not heard.

Anyway, a good friend of mine pulled my coattail on this issue. She advised that my children had opinions on the men that I brought home. They liked some and some they could not stand. Let me be clear, I did not bring a lot of men home but I brought home my fair share.

So I got to thinking because my children's opinions meant a lot to me. My son did not say much. He pretty much liked everyone. If he did not like you, he did not like you. If he liked you, he loved you. My daughter on the other hand, I was a little more concerned with. I wanted to make sure that I brought the right type of man home. I wanted my daughter to understand the type of man to bring home and the type of man to leave in the streets. I also I did not want my children to think that I was fast or doing too much.

To answer the question, I would say don't rush in letting your date or special friend meet your children. Make sure you that if you are going to introduce your date or special friend to your children that you are both serious enough to be in a committed relationship. Make sure that you and your boo (special friend) are on the same page when it comes to the children (yours and his). Your children don't need to see men and women coming in and out of your house at all hours of the night. Remember, your children will mimick your behavior and what you are doing. If you are having one night stands or booty calls, then you may want to revisit your strategy because your children may grow to learn to do the same thing.

This is my food for thought. Let me know what you think!