| For starters: Avoid talking about past relationships. I know your son is probably a huge part of your life, and a direct result of your past relationship, but try to avoid the details of your relationship with his mother. I have two friends who have kids from past relationships and Ive found girls are more put-off by the thought of the childrens mothers, than the children themselves.
As far as telling the girls about your son. I would say just do it and get it out of the way. Do it in a tactful manner though- wait for a question that prompts that discussion in some way. If shes not cool with it at first, its probably not something she will easily warm up to, in which case shes probably not a good match for you at this point in your life.
When it comes to Introductions, unfortunately I feel there is no magic bullet. _Shifty is right, 7 is a very impressional age for a child. But all kids are different. My parents divorced when I was about 10 and my dad introduced us to his girlfriend. I was unaffected but my sister got all sorts of screwed up from it. What it really comes down to is how well your son deals with change. You can actually gage this fairly accurately based on small things, like painting a room a different color or buying him a different lunchbox. If youve ever moved thats a pretty clear indicator too. Kids who dont want to move, be it for whatever reason, are more sensitive to change.
Regardless, I would make absolutely sure before hand that the girls is A, someone you want to pursue a serious relationship with, and B, someone who you are certain beyond a shadow of a doubt will care for and be a positive influence on your kid.
Again- im 23 and not a parent, my advice comes only from seeing my sister deal with a similar situation when she was a child. _________________ Today is the day that tomorrow never sees
and if you live in yesterday's world you'll never be free
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