New here - need advice on kids meeting
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New here - need advice on kids meeting
| Mon, 11-08-2004 - 10:29am |
Hi all, my name is Lisa and I am a 43yo single mom to a wonderful 6yo girl. Last spring I met a terrific man who I've been dating exclusively for the past 6 months. My boyfriend (what a funny term for a 50yo man, but I digress) has a boy turning 16 next month and a girl age 13; I've met his son and he has already spent some time with my daughter. We've decided to spend Thanksgiving together with the kids and while I'm realistic that there's likely to be some awkwardness I'm looking for some ideas on how to make things as easy as possible for everyone. One very good thing in our situation is that neither of us has antagonistic exs so there won't be that stress hanging over the day. I suggested that perhaps we do something like a movie rather than just eating all day; my gut feeling is to keep the day as low-key as possible. My boyfriend also suggested involving his kids in picking out the menu and things to do, which I think is a great suggestion. If anyone has any other ideas I'd love to hear them; I've never done this before and I'm a bit nervous. Guess that's pretty apparent, huh? ;-)

I find that it's always fun to include the kids in the cooking of the meal. Have them help stir, or prepare. Even the youngest who is 4 LOVES to help out in the kitchen.
If you celebrate Christmas, maybe the older kids could help your little one prepare her Santa list?
I hope you enjoy your thanksgiving together and everything goes beautifully. Congratulations on finding someone special to share it with! :)
Kim
I think it's great you're putting this kind of thought into making it a nice, comfortable holiday for everyone.
I do like the idea of the movie to break up the day and kind of take the pressure off, but Kim raises a good point. Hard to find movies all will enjoy with that big of an age difference.
Games are great too, especially if they're active ones and maybe get you all up out of your chairs moving around. Like charades or something. Fun, good for a laugh and hey, you'll work off some of that pumpkin pie. ;)
Best of luck with everything and i hope you'll post again.
hugs
Tara
I would suggest keeping things simple and renting a few movies that appeal to everyone. I would try to keep the 6 year olds expectations in check that the others are going to be older so she might not get to play all the time with them. I have an only child who is 8 and he likes to "steal the show" so to speak. Older kids in their teens sometimes like to play with younger children but sometimes they just need their space, too.
Your best plans are to have no plans. Just have food, movies, activities, walking shoes and let the kids have fun and go with the flow.