When is a person supposed to introduce his/her new partner to kids?

South Africa
April 8, 2012 3:39pm CST
When is it the right time to introduce the new partner to your children? Do you tell your children who this person is or you tell them he/she's a friend and wait until they figure it out themselves?
2 people like this
6 responses
@celticeagle (159529)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Apr 12
I would say that introducing your children to this person when you know you are in a serious relationship and when the person is going to be around all the time. They will figure it out themselves but it is a good idea to talk to them about this new phase in your life.
@celticeagle (159529)
• Boise, Idaho
11 Apr 12
Letting kids know what is going on helps with their self esteem and helps to keep the lines of communication open beween you.
• South Africa
11 Apr 12
I agree celticeagle.
1 person likes this
@in2day (120)
• Netherlands
8 Apr 12
It's better to tell the children you've got a new partner. It's best for your children to feel more involved in your life. Never lie to them or else they will only get dissapointed in you. It's your childrens choice if they accept it or not anyway. You can't force them to do that. I'm giving you this advice from personal experiance.
• South Africa
9 Apr 12
I agree with you, but I also think it's good not let them see you with many different "friends".
@in2day (120)
• Netherlands
9 Apr 12
You set the example for your children. If you truly love them then sacrifices must be made. If you allready think that it's not good to let them see you with different "friends", then don't! Your children are your most precious ones in your life. Even more important than your "friends", because they were a part of your body. It's not good to play with your feelings too. It'll only leed to depression en thats the least you and your children need.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
11 Apr 12
oh that's a tough one. I wouldn't lie to my kids. They met all my friends male or otherwise. What I learned NOT to do was to overly involve the kids in my dating life. I learned NOT to let the guy spend the night when the kids were home and NOT to get involved with the discipline and all. I learned all this trial and error. Then again, that was just my own experience and I can't speak for you or anyone else. In my case, I went on dates and spent time with who I was seeing mostly when my kids were with their dad. Sometimes I'd have the guy I was seeing come over and have dinner with us and hang out or join us on an outing. Everyone's situation is different and what's right for one person may not be for another so you should just follow your heart on that one. If you make a wrong decision...you'll figure that out and learn from it.
@Dominique25 (9464)
• United States
31 May 12
I think that this time is a fragile time especially for children. When the relationship is serious and they feel they are going to stay together. I think then it would be a good time to introduce the partner to the children. It's best to be honest with the children.
@chicgale (2982)
• Philippines
8 Apr 12
If the relationship is serious, you can tell the kids right away.
• South Africa
9 Apr 12
When do you know the relationship is serious? I guess it's gets a little complicated sometimes as you will be thinking this is serious but the partner thinks I'm just kicking time. But thanks for the input.
• Philippines
8 Apr 12
My boyfriend has a daughter and we go out together. He introduces me to his daughter as his girlfriend and the kid is only 3years old. I think, it's okay for them to know right away rather than you keep on lying and then in the long run you'll end up telling the truth. What's the point of lying, right? You just need to explain things well.