How to Meet a Boyfriend's Children

Whether you're a mom or not, meeting your boyfriend's children may make you anywhere from slight uneasy to super stressed. According to HealthyChildren.org, roughly 20 percent of kids who are living in two-parent homes are part of blended families. If you think your relationship is headed to the altar, setting the stage for a fully functional blended family now is key. Take a breath, relax and approach the first meeting as your true self, letting your beau's kids know just how important he is -- and they are -- to you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask your boyfriend to tell you when he thinks his children will be ready to meet you. Avoid pressing the matter, and let him come up with his own timetable based on his and his kids' comfort levels.

    • 2

      Get the specifics. Ask your beau how old his children are, if you don't already know, and what their likes or dislikes are. Prepare yourself by knowing what to expect by way of his advice and descriptions.

    • 3

      Make sure your boyfriend talks to his children about you and the meeting before it actually happens. Ask him to tell the children about who you are, your job, what you look like, what he likes about you and your own children -- if you have any.

    • 4

      Set your expectations at a realistic level for the first face-to-face meeting. Avoid expecting that the children will immediately run to you, greeting you with a shower of hugs and kisses. Stay positive, but don't go into the meet-up with the idea that they will automatically see you as their new mommy. Remember that every relationship takes time to build.

    • 5

      Greet the children with a warm smile. Strike up a conversation that focuses on their interests. Talk about your own children and their similar interests, if you have kids.

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