It’s hard for kids to cope with the idea of their parents getting back into the dating scene. Whether the other parent has died or if there’s been a divorce, it can be tough to deal with the situation. Here are a few pointers on how to react when your mom gets a boyfriend:
Ask questions
Show her that you’re interested. Ask for details. The more you do, the more your mom will share details about her new boyfriend. If you’re against the idea from the get-go, that’s going to drive a wedge between you and your mom, which is the last thing you want to happen. Show her you’re open to the idea instead.
Assess your feelings
If you end up hating the new boyfriend, figure out why. Evaluate your feelings. If your dad has died, the appearance of a new boyfriend could be bringing your grief into greater focus, says The Guardian. If that’s the case, you might need to work through your grief and learn how to manage and process your emotions better.
Spend more time with your mom
If you feel threatened, thinking you’ll lose your mom, talk about your fears and concerns with your mom. You can plan more activities together so you can spend more time with each other. That way, you won’t feel neglected.
Pay for a matchmaking service
Convinced your mom deserves someone better? Encourage her to meet other people on a date. Don’t know where to start? Hire a professional matchmaking service to help you. With a filtered list of matches who share your mom’s interests or who want the same things in a relationship, your mom is sure to have fun and might even find someone who’s a better fit for her in every way.
