Dating With Kids 

It's an interesting place to be dating after a divorce, especially when you have kids.  Now when I was first divorced my kids were pretty young, dating was just something I did.  Of course they just went along, and I made sure the guy was good and could be a positive influence. 

Now, I'm back out in the dating realm and my kids have opinions.  They want to be involved.  My 12 year old daughter seems to think she needs to be part of the interview process.  "When do I get to meet him Mom?"  Now don't get me wrong, she's all in favor of me finding someone to date.  However, she apparently has her own little checklist she wants to go through. 

It has always been a huge concern to me that my kids like the person I choose to spend time with.  It neer occurred to me that they would have their own list of concerns.  Now I don't really know what it is she plans to investigate.  Maybe she just needs to know if he likes dogs or can name the Presidents of the United States.  I don't really know. 

I just know that my "shopping trip" has now turned into a panel interview.  I wouldn't allow my kids to tell me who I should and should not date, but at the same time I think it is time that I consider their changing needs and not just shove somebody at them and say, too bad, I like him, so you must too.  It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.  Stay tuned....