So you're ready to start dating again, but you're not sure how your kids will handle it. Although their ages may make a difference in their reaction to your news, there are a few things you should do to help them ease into your new life as a single person.

Make sure that you schedule time for family. Children often feel as if they've been pushed aside when Mom or Dad starts dating again. Create special rituals that you share with your children on a regular basis, like family dinners, family movies, or family reading time.

Keep your dating and parenting life separate. Your children should not be your confidantes or best friends, and they don't need to know every little detail of the previous night's date.

Don't start bringing an assortment of strangers around the house for your children to meet, especially if your kids are very young. They may get confused about your date's role in their lives and in your life. It's often best to wait to introduce a date to your children until you're certain he or she will be a long-term part of your life.

Remember to take things slow. You may find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of dating, or you may find someone you love so strongly and madly that you want them to immediately meet your children. But you must respect your kids' feelings, too. So it's usually best to ease into things slowly for everyone's sake.