Teens and Dating
Gayla at Dating Dames has invited me to bring the topic of one of her recent posts, teen dating, here for more discussion. Gayla has four teens (three boys and a girl) all living under one roof, and with a school dance upon them, the boundaries of teens and dating have become topics of discussion.
My question to you is how do you define dating? And what age is it considered appropriate?
I frequently ask my tweens for the latest “gossip” at school - just to get their take on things. According to my son, in 5th grade, all you have to do is say that you like someone and suddenly you are dating. But the boyfriend/girlfriend thing doesn’t go past a mere title. I’m sure that as they progress to middle school that this will change.
Dating in the traditional sense of the word, will not happen any time soon in this house. I won’t go as far as Gayla and put a definitive age on it, but I plan on keeping the lines of communication open and taking it on a case by case basis.
Any words of wisdom? Please share your insights and experiences with us!
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POSTED IN: Dating
4 opinions for Teens and Dating
Gayla
Mar 19, 2007 at 4:40 am
back in my day, dating didn’t happen until you were SIXTEEN and not a single day before.
Like you, I’ve recently found out that my son’s have been “dating” since they were in elementary school and “hooking up” for a playground date.
If only I could keep them THIS naive.
Gina
Mar 19, 2007 at 12:21 pm
We’ve always said no later than 30. Ha. I wish!
Our daughter is 15 and does have a boyfriend, but I can’t really say that they go out on dates or they date. To me a date is, dinner and a movie, and it’s when you are responsible enough to get yourself to and from, and have the money to pay for it. They pretty much “hang out” at school, and once in a blue moon, he comes over here, but she isn’t allowed there because his parents are not terribly involved.
My son is 12 and he’s not interested right now. He’s seen how loopy his sister can get because of boys, he’s not ready for a girlfriend at all. Which makes me very happy.
I still like the after 30 thing. :)
char
Mar 19, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Thirty sounds good to me!!! Some boy announced to the third grade class today that he thinks my daughter is “hot” - luckily she is appalled at this point in the game. I’d like it to stay that way.
Denise D. Witmer
Mar 22, 2007 at 5:36 am
I’ve always said that it depends on who. I told my daughter if the young man has manners, treats you nicely and has no problem spending time with you family, she could date him. But there was not going to be the boy crazy phone calls and breakup/makeup stuff.
So far, so good… but I’m with char, age 30 sounds so much better!
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