Teen Dating: How To Tell When Your Child Is Ready
June 28, 2007
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Besides driving, dating is the one thing that every parent of a teen dreads. All sorts of wild ideas go through our heads when we think of our teenage son or daughter out on a date. If they are ready to date, we have to let them go, but not without a few guidelines.
At some point in their lives, teens will begin to show an interest in the opposite sex. Girls are ready before boys, but they soon catch up. Eventually they will ask you when they are allowed to go out on a date.
Remember, you have the advantage here. Teenagers know nothing about the social graces of dating. Like most other things, this behavior has to be learned. It’s better if they learn it from you than from their friends.
A teen can invite a guy or girl over for what I call a “house” date at the age of fourteen if they are ready. For this type of date, the teen has the security of being home without their parents spying on them.
Teach your child to respect others. Being respectful of the other person goes a long way to having a successful date. If a young man treats other women with the same respect that he shows his mother and sisters, he is ready to give dating a try.
Dating without a chaperone should wait until the teen is at least sixteen. At this time, a teen is capable of driving themselves and can pick up their date. If they have shown the responsibility needed to drive the car, they can try their hand at dating.
A person’s outer being is what we come in contact with first. But, this isn’t the only part of a person. Set an example of not judging a book by its cover. Going on a date is not about having sex, but about getting to know another human being.
Teens that have trouble communicating their feelings may not be ready for dating. Teach your teen how to speak up for themselves and make their desires known. When they don’t desire to have sex or to even kiss the other person, they shouldn’t be afraid to say, “NO!”
Only you know how you have raised your son or daughter. If you have taught them to value the opinions of others, to treat others like they want to be treated, and to abhor violence, then trust their judgment. Teens will make mistakes, but let them know you will still be there for them.
Dating is not an exact science. Encourage your teen not to get involved too deeply with the first person that they date. If they have questions, answer them without finding fault.
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Posted by admin | Filed Under Parenting
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