Teen Dating

Teen dating is something many parents fear.  What if their child does something that they should not be doing?  What if their child gets involved with the wrong type of people?  Even worse, what if something bad happens when they are out on a date?  Teen dating is worrisome, but there are things that you as a parent can do to provide your teen with the freedom that they need and providing them with the protection they do not know they need.  Here are some tips to help you with this.

• Educate your child about the dangers that are out there.  Do not assume that they know what to do when they are in a bad situation.  Help them to come up with excuses for bad situations so that they can find their way out without any trouble.  For example, if they are being asked to use illegal drugs, help them to develop a way to say no to it without being the odd one out.  For example, they could say that they tried it before and just didn’t like it.  Giving them the help they need now can help them when you can not be there.

• Make sure they know they can talk to you.  For girls, make sure they can come to you and actually ask you questions.  If you are approachable, the child is more likely to come to you.  If they think you will be mad, disappointed or grounding them, they won’t come to you at all.  Then, you’ll be in the dark.  Instead, keep the doors of communication open and they will come to you when they need to.

• Set the ground rules about dating.  Don’t limit them to what they can and can not do too much, but let them know what you expect from them.  For example, you refuse to allow them to go to any parties.  This will cause them to do it anyway in spite of what you said.  But, if you tell them there must be a parental chaperone, they will mind you more so.  Set curfew times as well, but allow them the ability to be out until they are not allowed to be.  Many cities have curfews in place as it is.

  There is not doubt about it, as a parent the day your daughter or son starts dating is the day that your child starts to get out into the world on his own.  Yet, it does not have to be worrisome when you know that you can trust your child and your child knows that you trust them to make the right choices.  These things can provide you both with the peace of mind you need when it comes to teen dating.