Milestone unlocked: Your kid thinks your dating is weird

The moment your kid finds out you date

There are few universal parenting milestones.
Coloring on the walls. Band-Aids as fashion statements. The heartbreak of losing a beloved stuffed animal in a parking lot.

But here’s one that hits different for a divorced parent:

You casually mention you have a date…
…and your kid looks at you like you just said you eat slugs.

In this issue:

• What to say (and not say) when your kid gives you the ew face

• Why your dating life still matters, even if your kid wants you to become a nun

• A story from the vault: That time my daughter got grossed out and inspired a personal dating policy

Let’s get into it.

“Ew, Mom/Dad” isn’t a reason to give up on dating.

It’s just a sign you’re raising a kid with opinions.

Yes, your kid might be grossed out. No, that doesn’t mean you should hide your whole life. Here’s a few thoughts on how to navigate it, especially by age:

• Ages 3–7: Keep it super simple. “I’m going to dinner with a friend.” Most kids this age don’t need details—they want consistency and a bedtime snack.

• Ages 8–12: Honesty without overexposure. “I’m dating someone” is fine. Let them ask questions if they want. They probably won’t. (They’re too busy making faces.)

• Teens: This is when you really need boundaries. They’ll likely have strong opinions. Acknowledge them without apologizing for having a love life.

And for all ages:

• Tell, don’t sell. “I’m going out tonight.” Full stop. No need to explain unless they ask.

• Don’t turn them into your therapist. You can be honest without dragging them into your drama.

• Model the relationships you’d want for them. Healthy boundaries, mutual respect, good communication—not just with partners, but with your kids too.

Fuller House, Fuller Feelings

We’re rewatching Fuller House (again).
D.J. announces to her kids that she’s going on a date.

“You know I go on dates sometimes,” I say casually.

My daughter, nine years old and previously absorbed in the screen, turns to me slowly.
She gives me a look I have never seen before:

Eyebrows raised.
Nose scrunched.
Equal parts disgust and betrayal.

The ew, Mom, why would you tell me that look.

It was... a milestone.
Not a first step. Not the first time she said “I love you.”
But still—developmentally significant.

And look, it’s okay that she thinks it’s gross. She’s nine. She also thinks broccoli is poison and that deodorant is optional.

What matters is this:
I still get to have a life.
She gets to have her feelings.

That’s the deal.

✍️ Reclaim Your Time

Think about the next week. What is one thing you could plan for yourself that’s just yours?

• Coffee with a friend?

• A book and a cocktail?

• A date that may or may not involve awkward small talk but definitely involves adult conversation?

Put it on the calendar. You’re allowed.

A Little Wisdom (or Just a Pep Talk)

We’re so used to showing up for our kids that it can feel weird, even selfish, to show up for ourselves.

But here’s the truth: kids benefit from seeing you as a full person. Not a martyr. Not a robot. A person who makes time for joy, connection, and yes—even dating.

Whether you tell them “I’m going out” or “I’m seeing someone,” it’s age-appropriate to be honest. Just not graphic. You’re not pitching a rom-com.

So go reclaim your time. Eyebrow raises be damned.

Have you talked with your kid about dating? I’d love to hear your stories!

Blue skies,
Carla

💌 Know another parent who's in the dating trenches? Forward this to them. Bonus points if it makes them snort-laugh.