Divorces in India are on an upward trend, and so are single parents who are open to dating and getting into relationships. Whether you are a single mom or single dad, it is completely okay for you to reach out and seek companionship. And just how it is important to communicate with your child about your single parent status, it is equally important to tell your children that dating and coupling is a basic human need, and by doing this, you will set the base for healthy discussion later when you want to tell your children that you are dating.
Having said that, breaking the news to your children is a delicate step and you need to ensure that you do it without causing damage to your relationship with your child. Here are a few tips that can help:
Be honest: Kids are more intuitive and perceptive than we give them credit for. Chances are, your child has noticed the difference in your behaviour and probably suspects you of seeing someone. The best way to go about this is to be honest and tell your child details the way it is.
Keep the information age appropriate: You know the mental capacity of your child and you should discuss things in a manner that she will understand.
Set ground rules: Introducing a new person in your child's life can confuse and irritate her. Set ground rules about who is in-charge of your child's well-being and what role will this new person play in your child's life and around the house. It is better that you continue being the one responsible for your child.
Respect the emotions and feedback: It should be a discussion and not an announcement. Let your child speak out her feelings and give you feedback about what she thinks. Respect her emotions and console her that you'll be with her, no matter what.
Don't force the new person on your kids: Just because you love this person doesn't mean that your child will too. Give your child time to wrap her mind around the fact that there is a new person in her life now. Also, she needs to understand this person, and even learn to trust her. This is a gradual process. Do not force her to like this new person.
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