how do single parents date???
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how do single parents date???
| Wed, 10-18-2006 - 9:47pm |
I have a daughter, 8 years old. I have recently met a man that she won't let me near. Unfortunately he lives 2 hours away from us so getting a babysitter for an hour or two doesn't cut it. My D will not let me near this guy she gets soo upset she makes a huge fuss. Im afraid he's going to give up asking me out cause she just snaps screaming and crying to the point where I have to take her home. He wants me to bring her to his place to spend a night with us staying in his spare room, (give him credit for thinking of the spare room and being a gentleman)! I haven't dated since she was 2 years old and so she's never seen any man around us other than relatives and close friends. I think this guy is a really great person but we don't have any alone time at all, she follows me everywhere. Please help. How do you ease a child of that age into mommy meeting someone. Keep in mind she has no other parent in her life at all. We are together 24/7. My parents rarely take her and I don't want to bring him to our home just yet because I don't think that would be healthy to have a man under our roof just yet. We have just met, 1 month ago and I don't want to not give it a chance.

Hi and welcome to the board.
You have to be firm with your daughter that her temper tantrums will not dissuade you from dating.
I can understand the predicament that you are in. I too am a single mom in the dating world. My daughter and I are a unit. We've been together alone since she was born. The one thing that I have always made sure that she understands is that just like her, mommy has to have friends too. I have several male friends (just friends) that are a constant in my life and hers as well. This has made a world of difference. I agree with the other poster that you shouldn't be involving your daughter in your dating life. Especially with someone that you just met. If he doesn't stick around she may begin to think that her negative behavior got her what she wanted and will keep doing it. Be firm! If you really like the guy, in a couple of months, start integrating her. Small dates for lunch at McDonald's or Chuck E Cheese. Somewhere she's comfortable and plenty of things for her to do. A walk to the park to play. Not more than an hour or two at a time. Ease her into it.
Good Luck!