Good for you that you are going on with your life! Take it. Moment by moment. You are dating to get to know him. If the question arises, be truthful and tell him about your wonderful GC. He s see you as the wonderful woman you are. I hope he will see the strength in character I have witnessed as I learned your story.

I just tell the simple truth: We're raising our three grandchildren. If they ask where the "parents" are, I just say "drugs."

That usually satisfies most people. Sometimes they'll ask how long we've been raising them, how we're handling it, etc.

I do what we do with little kids: Answer the question, no more, no less :-)

This was my worry when I decided to date again after my boyfriend of 8 years died. He had been helping me with the kids. Well, I met the most wonderful man who has embraced my family and is willing to help me raise the girls. We are getting married soon. There are some special men out there and I thank God for my Joe every day.

Congratulations GIJan on your upcoming wedding. You are lucky you found someone who doesn't mind "raising" kids again. I am like you Sarah, if someone asks I say "drugs". Normally, that is enough. I just nervous. I didn't want to air dirty laundry.Hopefully he doesn't ask too many questions. Thank you for the kind words Daisydduck

You give me hope. Dating sounds great but where how do you meet anyone our or my age 66 they are not at the PTA meeting, scouts, little league Tried talking to a couple on line. I am straight forward with my life and guess what they never answer back or why i can't just chit chat with the well there is a little thing like homework, cleaning, laundry (that never stops) cooking etc by night time I just have no real charm left lol. After my spouse took off after all this happened i really have no self confidence left and really feel i have nothing left over to give I am so proud of and for you still out there living at least trying to Hang in there ladies

Since it's your first date, if he doesnt' really ask, I probably wouldn't give too much information. If you're anything like me, once you start talking about the situation, sometimes it's hard to stop talking and get back on a different subject. I'm not sure how easy that might be - but it might be more relaxing if you can stay on more general topics? I've adopted my 5 yo and my 1 yo GS lives in my home with my daughter, too, and I know it gets on my 55 yo bf's nerves sometimes because we can't have any peace & quiet when he comes to the house. I also know that he gets jealous of the time & attention I give to them, but he really does try very hard not to let it show for the most part and he's good to the boys. It really does change the dynamics, though, being our age and parenting - alone, or with a boyfriend who "helps", or with a husband in the house. We were engaged, but broke it off when I took my GS in to parent him myself. My bf said he just couldn't do it all over again at his age (he had just finished getting 2 kids raised; as a single father). Good luck, and let us know how it goes!!

Just an update
I went out on my "date". He didn't realize I was raising "GRANDchildren". He assumed my OLDER children lived at home. He was honest, not sure he wants to date someone with small children, He finished raising his and is used to not having small kids around (although he likes children). I appreciate his honesty and I understand. So not sure where it will go. He did say he would like to see me again. Fortunately, he didn't ask to many questions about bio's. He asked where my children live and I did tell a white lie and said daughter lives with her dad. (She will be next month after she gets out of halfway house.) I didn't want to explain she is in halfway house, released from prison a few months ago for drugs, stealing etc. When asked why grandkids don't live with her, I said she is not capable of raising them and he didn't ask me to elaborate.

Horsepad, Do YOU like HIM ?

He SEEMS nice but I don't know him well enough. I understand what you are saying pashep, everyone I meet is usually through my grandchiuldrens activities and they are all too young. I NEVER get asked out but then again, I don't know where you meet people our age (I am 52). I go to church regularly, volunteer at organizations but the other volunteers are mainly women. I have met some wonderful women over the years but they don't ask me out either! :) Lunch sometime while kids in school or shopping would be nice. All my friends work or are not raising kids.
It would be so nice to have someone to talk to day by day other than a 7 & 9 year old. It's lonely but I am grateful that I have them . Little did I know when I took them in 4 years ago that I would need them as much as they need me.

Consider looking for a woman's bible study in your area. They often offer daycare. I have met several fantastic women friends over the past 3 years through a bible study I signed up for. I didn't know anyone the first time I went and it really took me awhile to feel like I fit in, but I just love those girls now and they're a great support. The church I go to offers about 50 different small groups that are in homes all across the community.

It's very ironic, actually. The lady who hosts the bible study is married to a man that I went to grade school with. She was raised in the same Lutheran church I was but is a few years younger, so I don't remember her from back then. They have a son who is the same age as my 5 yo son and they are good buddies now. Small world sometimes!!

Although not part of a bible study I do go to church twice a week with granddaughters. Volunteer at church, school, food bank etc.