Taking DCs on a date - bit weird isn't it?

[TheMoistWorldOfSeptimusQuench]

So, this man (who I have discussed elsewhere on MN, so won't bore anyone with the back story) & I clearly like each other, keep bumping into each other but haven't yet got round to arranging a date.

Last night, I bumped into him in the street on the way to the pub & he ended up spending all evening with me (and very nice it was too). We talked about meeting up next Friday during the day & he suggested that we go somewhere with our kids (my DD 5, his DS 2) - which I have agreed to.

But now I think about it, isn't it a bit odd to go on a date with your kids? Do you think it's a test of some sort? Why not just invite me out for lunch?

You can look it at 2 ways I think.

1. He's a really nice guy, realises you have kids and that you come as a package etc.

or

2. He'a a raving weirdo and you should check with the police.

I don't know the back story so can't really offer any other opinion.

Is he a bit shy? arranging to meet up with kids might be less daunting then asking someone on date, he may be playing it safe

Definitely not shy!

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Whats a keeper?

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Is he a single dad? Maybe he finds it difficult to get out alone

I wouldn't find it odd being for a daytime meet up, just a time for some chat and getting to know someone better

I'd only be wary if he wanted to do date like things in front of the kids (hand holding, kissing etc)

Sounds very promising to me. Not wierd at all.

Dior - oooh!

DS doesn't live with him, but he's very involved. He's out all the time - is a freelance journalist & has the rich social life and freedom that goes with it as far as I can see.

Could be a disaster if the DCs don't get on.

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Ok maybe I'm being paranoid. Typical me to seek out hidden negatives where none exist!

Thing is, it doesn't sit comfortably with me to introduce DD to a new boyfriend. I was with the last one for 2 years & she only met him twice, very briefly. I've always felt it better to keep the 2 parts of my life seperate, IYSWIM. Although she is aware of this guy, as we've run into him in the street together a few times (she says this is "because he likes you, mummy" )

Yes & no Dior!

Your daughter doesn't need to even know he is a potential boyfriend if there isn't any ott touching

Just one of mummy's friends, going on an outing

Keep it casual, she won't know whats going on

I think it's nice, you are a package, he is an involved dad..you do need to know early on how it will work re children IF it moves on to something serious

Go and have fun, he sounds lovely

Thanks all, I will. And will report back on Friday

i understand exactly what you mean TMWOSQ. it took me eighteen months before i introduced DP to my Dcs ( and i still think i was tricked into it!) As long as there is no bf/gf behaviour in front of your respective DCs i guess it would be ok. plus you get to road-test him with regard to how he acts towards your child before you contemplate any 'griiiiiiiinding'. :D

To late persphone, griiiinding is already being contemplated in sordid detail I'm afraid ...It's been a wee while

too late, that is

An update for anyone who is bored enough to be interested:

So we went and had our picnic in the park today.. and it was lovely!

He is great. Such an interesting, funny man. 13 years older than me, but what the hey? I really quite fancy him.

His Ds is a sweetie, & he & DD got on really well. DD tells me that she really likes them both.

We hung out in the park for 5 hours. It felt like 1.

DD & his Ds are both going on holiday with our respective ex's tomorrow. So he said he will call to arrange to go out one evening next week "to do grown up things". He mumbled at one point, something along the lines of "I don't suppose you could have some food with me tonight? Oh no, I suppose you'd need to find a babysitter..."

All in all, a top day with lots of promise. Gosh I'm excited!

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Sounds brilliant

Dior - are you a lone parent too?

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Will do, Dior

There's a lot to be said for it (being a lone parent that is). But the excitement of going on dates with scrummy journos is one of the best bits to my mind atm

(please excuse my teenagerish enthusiasm tonight. Think I mind need a cold shower & a nice lie down)

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