The dating scene isn’t easy for anyone, especially single fathers.
As a single father you have to think about your children and how they will interact with your new significant other and vice versa. If you have made that choice to commit to someone, you are most likely ready to introduce your child to your new partner.
The best ways to do this is to make it a fun and memorable experience for all parties.
Here are four ‘dates’ to consider for the first meeting.
Ice skate or Roller Skate: This is a great way for everyone to have a great time and laugh. Ice and roller skating rinks are designed for children and adults, the environment is very laid back and fun! It gives your child physical room to move around and emotional space. If you have this meeting in a small restaurant or room the child can feel a lot of pressure.
Fruit Picking: Check your city for the nearest farms for fruit picking. There are orange and apple orchids and berry fields all over the place. The great thing about fruit picking is that the farms will most likely provide all the supplies you need for a minimal cost. This is a great option for weekend meetings; it is very relaxed and something different that everyone can do together.
Picnic in the Park: Make some tasty treats and grab a blanket. Head to your local park and relax on the grass. Bring some bread to feed the ducks; also most parks have fun things to participate in like small farmer markets, swings or paddle boats. Being outdoors is great for everyone…less pressure and more options.
Go Karts: This is something to awaken the kid inside of us all. Most go kart places have other games like bumper boats, miniature golf or arcade games. This is an exciting and easy meeting date and it can be paired with a trip to a yummy pizza parlor and a visit to the ice cream shop.
Remember to keep it fun and light hearted. If you make it a serious event, your child will feel uncomfortable.
No matter how you became a single father, your child most likely has/had a mother already in their life and it is important that they understand that their mother is not being replaced. And fathers of daughters, you need to tread extra lightly; girls are girls no matter what age. Jealousy is very common in daughters.
The best thing to do is to make this meeting easy and fun, keep it short and everything will be fine. Keep in mind that first meetings don’t always go so well, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work out. Give it some time and have fun with it!
