Introducing a new partner to your child can be a delicate matter
A mum recently asked for advice and said she had concerns about introducing her nearly two-year-old daughter to her boyfriend of four months.
Broadcaster Barbara Scully, sharing from personal experience on Newstalk said the mother’s apprehension is completely understandable but said life is about taking risks.
She said: “In life, we have to take risks on a regular basis, and we try and balance the risk and weigh up the pros and cons of the risk and then make the best decision that we can.”
Given how young her child is, Scully suggested a straightforward introduction: “I would introduce him to the daughter, but to the daughter I would say that this is mummy’s friend,’ she said.
She also highlighted that children are often more resilient than adults might think. “Kids, number one, are much more resilient than we think, and number two, are smarter than we often give them credit for.”
Scully went on to say that the boyfriend should understand that the two-year-old will set the pace of their interactions.
Reflecting on her own experience, she shared: “I introduced her to two partners – one of whom became my husband in the end.
“But the first one, I remember her – in absolutely no uncertain terms – telling me that I was never to be anywhere with him and her again, she just did not like him.”
TV personality Declan Buckley advised the mom to think about her past relationship patterns to make sure there is a healthier dynamic going forward.
He suggested: “Look into what it was that maybe brought the kind of people into her life that were cheating.”
He also spoke of the importance of trusting your instincts and remaining hopeful for positive outcomes, saying, “It’s about hoping for the best and trusting your instincts.”
