How to introduce a two year old to her father for the first time?

[Laurel Saniya]

Okay this question isn't for me but for my sister. She is 20 and has a two year old with a man who she was friends with for a couple of years and they eventually had a sort of friends with benefits relationship for a few months. She ended up getting pregnant but before she found out, he met someone that he wanted to date so they ended what they had, including their friendship (not on bad terms but she was heartbroken regardless).

Now her daughter is two and he has been with that same girl for two and a half years now.

Well what happened was they ran into each other after not having seen or talked to each other since they stopped their friendship/relationship. She told him about her daughter and now he wants to meet her.

The problem she's having is she isn't sure how to go about it. I'm at a loss for advice as I don't have any experience whatsoever in this department.

How would you introduce a two year old to their father? How do you think her daughter will react?

And if it means anything, my niece hasn't ever called anyone "Daddy". Do you think she should start calling him by his name or as Daddy? Should she meet his girlfriend right away or wait?

Sorry for the multiple questions but answers would really help.

 

[kiddo235]

As a step-parent....my thoughts

Your niece should be allowed to meet her dad. I would do it in a neutral area (park, etc) so that she doesn't feel intimidated. I would tell her that this is her father. At two, it is a bit young to try to explain the situation. I wouldn't overwhelm her with meeting the girlfriend yet. Only once she establishes a relationship with her father should you even consider introducing the girlfriend. And I would only do that if the relationship is stable and is going to be long term. You don't want the child in the middle of the adult's relationship. If the relationship goes sour and she has been involved with the girlfriend, it will be hard on her to understand why she won't ever see the girlfriend again even though they (the girlfriend and child) are friends.

 

[Chels Mcgowan]

My son is 2.5 years old and doesn't know his father so I have thought of this situation many times!
If it were me, I'd tell the child that's her daddy but don't make a massive issue out of it. Meet in a fun place for the child so she can go off an play - as she feels comfortable she will keep coming back an forth! I wouldn't want the child to meet the girlfriend yet - they are clearly in a stable an longterm relationship but as the child has never met her daddy, I think she needs to build a relationship with him first. When she is settled with her daddy, then introduce the girlfriend.
Good luck to your sister

 

[lady j]

Two year old children are pretty accepting of what they are told. Your sister should say to her daughter, "Guess what, hun, we are going to see your daddy today!" The child will be happy to meet this nice man who will play with her and give her a present. It is always best for children to know and love BOTH their parents whenever possible so this is a good thing. It doesn't have to be difficult!