I met this guy two months ago through a dating site, and I'm starting to get excited about him. We've been going out twice every week.

Initially he told me he worked at this firm, now he's said he's a partner in his father's business. He didn't want to tell everything about himself right away. I understand this, as it's easy for guys to worry that a girl they meet online is a gold-digger.

Personally, I'm very open that I'm an office receptionist and he knows where I work, and has met some of my co-workers and friends.

However, he hasn't met my daughter, who's 12, because I haven't mentioned her. While I said in my profile that I'm divorced, I didn't mention my child. I felt it might turn some guys off. But if they got to know me, my having a child might not be an issue.

When should I reveal I have a daughter who lives with me part-time? Her father and his family live nearby, and she's with them every weekend so it hasn't been a babysitting matter.

Also, when should my daughter be made aware that I like this guy?

Unsure but Excited

Tell him now. Say you have a child from your previous marriage, a wonderful girl of whom you're very proud, but you naturally don't introduce new people to her until you know them for a while.

Say that, like him, you came to online dating cautiously, so protected your child. But now that you and he have a comfort level and are building trust, you want him to know about her.

This doesn't mean they have to meet immediately or that a meeting should be a big deal. Let him digest this news and ask you some questions. Being a mother is an essential part of who you are.

It's too soon to show your daughter any "excitement" about him. Go slow. She's at a vulnerable age for emotional overreactions, and anxiety about having to "compete" with this man for your attention.

It's also too soon for YOU to raise long-term hopes, until you know him better.

My former high-school friend has a child who's age two, just like my twin daughters. We were once close and despite the few years that we travelled different paths, we're now both young moms in the same city.

I naturally expected to be invited with my daughters to her son's birthday party. Not so.

I heard from her nanny (friend's with mine, another reason I was sure I'd be invited!) that almost everyone there were "new" friends - mostly teachers like herself, and some close neighbours with toddlers.

Since we speak occasionally, should I ask her why she didn't invite me? Or just suck it up as a signal that she's "moved on," possibly for reasons that I'll hate to hear.

Excluded

If you already think you'll hate the answer, don't ask any questions. She's showing you her current priorities by immersing herself in a new group - perhaps trying to keep hold of her professional network while she's on maternity leave, while cultivating nearby neighbours while she's at home.

If so, she's a somewhat calculating person, and that's a trait you likely already knew about her.

So take her "moving on" casually, and don't overreact. There'll probably be a time when she reaches out to old friends too, because that kind of person sways with the times and how they affect her.

My son and daughter-in-law insist that their 18-month old baby first learn their "back-home" languages (Italian and French), and afterward learn English. My wife supports this.

As an immigrant in this new and wonderful society, I'd prefer my grandson to first learn English.

Concerned Grandparent

Opinions vary on how many languages a child should learn from the beginning, and when the primary language of his/her society should be taught. But it's generally accepted that kids quickly pick up the dominant language of other children whom they hear in playgrounds, day care, etc. and whom they meet at school.

The parents have the right to make this decision, and have likely studied research, which has them believe this'll establish the child's "ear" for his background languages and culture.

Try not to criticize their decision. If the boy has any difficulty with English, they'll spot it immediately and quickly change their emphasis at that time.