What age should a child be introduced to their father?

[me40]

The man has had no contact with this child, but this child wants to meet him.

 

[i gotta question]

well is the child a baby or older? if he or she is a baby or toddler for that matter let the guy know, "hey you know what? he doesnt know you too well quite yet and he's not comfortable just going with you right now, do you think we can set up a day were we can all go together..so he can become reassured by me that its okay..and not to be scared and do this for awhile untill he get comfortable with you..suggest to this guy to call at least once a week so the child gets familiar with him because it is important to have a father in his life..

 

[SarahM]

If there are no real problems with the father (abuse, drugs, etc.) then I would think it would be ok to allow the child to meet his father. It may be that his immaturity got in the way earlier, but now, he would be willing to step up and be a real father. Make sure he knows though, that once he's in the child's life, he's there for good. He needs to know that popping in and out of the child's life is not acceptable and that you won't allow it. If he can visit and call the child on a regular basis, then I don't see any harm.

 

[David G]

As soon as you can...

 

[Deirdre B]

Do not hold the child from their father unless there is something seriously wrong with him. I know from experience. I just met my real father and I'm 21. Let the child decide, don't make the choice for them. Its difficult to not know who ur real father is. If he chose to have no contact then let him tell your child that. If you chose to not let him see the child then tell your child thaat and let them decide for themselves.

 

[rafferty]

at birth.

If the man wasn't man enough to acknowledge his child, he should do and say exactly as the mother suggests. If that includes staying away, so be it.

If the woman doesn't want the child near the man, there is a good reason. That should be respected.

When the child is 18 he or she may choose to find the father anyway. If that is the situation, the man should meet him, confess his error in being a poor man, and apologize for it,

Let the child decide if he or she wants a relationship on his or her own.