What is the appropriate Dating age ?
By sunshine37
@sunshine37 (450)
United States
January 31, 2011 12:06pm CST
I was raised in a fairly strict household. The rules were; no dating until your 15, although I was allowed to double date. I am guessing maybe meeting a boy at a roller skating ring. I really don't remember. But, at the age of 16 I could date, NO SOONER! This was a solid rock rule, and there was no room for discussion. So here I am today with a 13 yr old that is absolutly boy crazy ( which scares me to death )and being faced with that question.."when can I date". I am floored, 13 yrs old and asking to date. Okay, so 24 years later I am understanding my parent's reasoning behind things, but at 13 I was just giving up my barbies, not wanting to boys over. I have made it very clear to her there would be no dating until 16. I have yet began to let her go to all night skating at the roller rink, but yet on her 13th b'day party I did let her invite boys, and of course it was supervised by me very carefully.
I know times are a lot different from when I was even 15, and this I found out the hard way. My daughter's friend's parents let boys come over and spend the day with them or let their daughter go over to the boy's house, and even take them places. I just don't think so, but this seems to be common.
Although I have no plans on changing my mind what so ever, I am asking you, what do you think. What are your thoughts on dating at what age ? Maybe I am missing something ?
2 responses
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
6 Feb 11
I think that 16 years old is a reasonable time for a teenager to begin dating. However many 13, 14 and 15 year olds feel that they are ready for dating. It should be up to the parents to see how mature their child is. The teenager would have to be well behaved and go as far as holding hands and kissing only. I think that a trip to the park, beach or cinema would be innocent enough. Your 13 year old son seems to want to begin dating so I would see how he gets on with it if you feel comfortable with that. I think that you should have an hour your son must be home by. He could also perhaps get a mobile phone.
@sunshine37 (450)
• United States
7 Feb 11
Well since I posted this, my husband and I have come up with some new rules for her. Yes, she if fixing to be 14 and very interested in dating...a bit too much ( in my opinion ) So, we decided to let her have a boy come over to the house ONLY if she has been dating him for longer than 3 wks, but they have to stay in the den. They can watch a movie or just talk. Then at the age of 15, I will take her and her boyfriend to the movies, mall, or just whatever. Maybe let her go over to his house, then at 16 she can date.
I couldn't agree with you more on the maturely level and perhaps if she was a bit more mature then it would be easier to accept, but to me she is not...she is just plain out boy crazy. And that, is asking for trouble.
Her 14 b'day party is coming up and she is wanting to invite her "so called" 16 yr old boy friend, and I have told her absolutely not. I feel like as a parent that I have to draw the line, although I know how she feels, because I felt the same anger towards my parents for their rules. Whew...being a parent is HARD !
@moneymakerteen (87)
• United States
31 Jan 11
I would thibk 13 is a good age to start dating. Mostly only to the movies or roller skating.At 16 she should be able to go to concerts, dinners and to boys house. This way she is able to grow and expirence things when she is young. Don't you agree with me?
@sunshine37 (450)
• United States
1 Feb 11
I want her to grow and experience, but dont' think I can handle it at 13. I experience way to much before my time, and that was starting at the age of 15. And because of it I made a lot of mistakes and paid dearly for it. But, I will keep the idea in mind, of letting her spread her wings a little bit at a time.
