How to tell your girlfriend's son you are dating his mother

You may love the mom, but don't forget her son

No one wants to be the evil stepparent, but that category may suit you fine unless you at least attempt establish a relationship with your girlfriend’s son. The ideal way to tell your girlfriend’s son you are dating his mother is to be open, honest and try to do it during a fishing trip or during some other “guy thing.” Here’s how.

Instructions

1. Take the son on an outing you know he enjoys. Depending on his age, this could range from miniature golf to maximum drag racing.

2. Establish a fun, easy pace for the day, getting him to open up and trust you.

3. Subtly begin to bring his mother, your girlfriend, into the conversation.

4. Get him to admit how wonderful she is.

5. Tell him you agree she is so wonderful, which is why you are hanging around and will continue to hang around because you may even fall in love with her.

6. Tell him the added bonus of dating such a wonderful woman is that she has such a wonderful son. Make sure he knows he matters to you and you're not just going to ignore him.

Tips & Warnings

• If the kid reacts negatively, don’t try to shut him up. Let him rant and rave and simply continue to be the loving, open guy you’ve been all day. The kid will come around eventually, or not. At least you know you tried your best to make things smooth.

• Don’t be patronizing. Kids can see right through that.

• You can try to buy his approval with expensive toys but that probably won't work.