Meeting new partners

In time you will both move on and meet new partners. For some older children, they are glad to see you happy and getting on with your life - they may feel they can stop worrying about you. But children's reactions to their parent's new partners are not always as simple. If your child has dealt with lots of changes in their lives it can help them if you delay introducing them to new partners.

Your child may resent or feel threatened by a new partner, especially if they feel they have to share you. They may also worry that your new partner could replace them in your affections. Remember that your child will want to spend time with you; this is the time that they feel special and cherished by you. So don't be surprised if your child doesn't think your new partner is as great as you think they are. Give them time and try not to force the relationship.

In fact, some children have a very positive relationship with their parent's new partners and can become attached to them. It's for this reason that it is important not to involve new partners in your child's life unless the relationship is serious. If the relationship doesn't last, they may be hurt and dealing with multiple relationship breakdowns is difficult for children to deal with.

A final point - it's a good idea to discuss the introduction of new partners with the other parent.

Follow this link for further information on children in the middle after separation