Dating - How soon would you mention your kids?

[Lorenz]

Say you knew someone only very briefly and they asked you if you'd fancy going for a drink - let's count that as the beginning.

So, when would you mention the fact that you had kids? right at the beginning during the "let's go for a drink" conversation? during the first "date"? or not until you knew it was going somewhere?

[nomedoit]

During the first date.

Be matter-of-fact.

Don't make a big deal of telling them!

[fuckmepinkandCALLmegoran]

I would do it during the first date, just in a I have kids kind of way - DP always knew I had kids though, so I don't know how I would handle it in a dating scenario

[Lorenz]

I suppose one way to do it is the agree to the drinks on the condition that I can find a babysitter

Just to add, this scenario hasn't even happened - I'm just considering my future! (saddo smiley)

[SpareOhs]

As soon as possible - i.e. first date.

My online profile mentions that I'm a parent - very briefly and matter-of-factly. If people are going to be put off by that (and fair enough, other people's kids are not everyone's cup of tea) then it's best to be upfront right from the start.

They don't have to meet the kids until you're VERY sure it's going somewhere, though!

[SpareOhs]

That's a good idea, lorenz re: babysitter 'issues'...

[fuckmepinkandCALLmegoran]

I met DP because of DD so he always knew the kids were there iyswim so it was different for me

[FabbyChic]

I always mentioned my children before it went to a first date, they are a major part of your life.