Dating for Seniors: When to Meet the Kids?

When you're a dating senior, it's likely that the kids are grown and have moved away from home. However, that doesn't mean the kids won't be curious when it comes to who that "special someone" is in your life! Deciding the right time to introduce your partner to your family is definitely worth some thought, as these are all people in your life who are important to you. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but you need to make decisions you feel are right for you, your family and your new partner. Here are some tips to help guide you through the introduction of "new friends" to your family.

Make it a Joint Decision. If you and your new partner both have families, try to make introductions a bi-lateral decision. While this can be hard when kids are grown with families of their own and possibly living in different states, a joint decision can sometimes take the pressure off one party. This also serves as a good "status check." If one of you is ready to introduce families and the other isn't, then take some time to explore where your relationship it at. After all, you spent a lifetime raising your family - sharing them is a big decision!

Family Introductions Should be Fun! Your family is a great source of pride and you have a lifetime together of quirks, memories, laughter and love. Why not make the day they meet your new partner just as fun? Whether it's a backyard barbeque for the Fourth of July or a group dinner at your favorite restaurant, try to take some of the pressure off by actually enjoying yourself! You love your family. You love your partner. Help them get to know one another and develop their relationship by adding a little levity to the situation.

Have a Family "Cram Session." Just like you did before math test, why not set some time for you and your partner to sit down and do some studying of your own? Grab a bottle of wine or pack a picnic basket and make a date of going through family photo albums. Share your favorite memories of your kids so neither of you will go in blind. This will help establish a sense of familiarity before the big "meet my partner/meet my family" day and show your partner a side of you he or she has never seen before.