Bringing a new girlfriend home to meet your kids can be every bit as nerve-racking as the time you took your college girlfriend home for Thanksgiving. But, there’s no reason to make a mountain out of a molehill. Most older kids are perfectly okay with a new girlfriend or stepmom, and most younger kids adjust to the idea very quickly. However, there are a few things you can do to make the transition even easier.

First, Be Subtle

Remember how when you brought a girl home to meet Mom and Dad, they never stopped asking about her, even years later? The same principle applies after your divorce. Your kids don’t need to meet every girl you date. They’ll just get confused. Plan ahead for the date to be on a night when the kids aren’t home. If they ask where you were or what you did, don’t lie or act like you have something to hide. Just quickly change the subject.

Next, Be Open

After two or three months, it’s probably time for her to meet the kids. A quick hello and goodbye is probably appropriate, as an extended meet-and-greet may turn uncomfortable for everyone, and make sure that it occurs at your home. After four or five months, she should probably start spending some extended time with the kids. If they can’t get along, you need to know that sooner rather than later.

What About the Wedding?

Eventually, wedding bells will start chiming in the distance. Some people include their kids in wedding plans so they feel like they are part of the process, while others tend to exclude them. Either way is probably fine, but be sure you don’t drop a bombshell by leaving Orlando single on Friday and coming back married on Sunday.

At the Men’s Divorce Law Firm, we don’t just help you through your divorce. We help you live your life after it’s over. Contact us for a consultation.