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Parenting > Teen > Dating on August 17, 2009

Young Teens Dating

My 13 year old daughter wants a boyfriend. Should I let her?

By mommy101 from Cincinnati, OH

Answers: Young Teens Dating

Read answers for this question below.
By
06/06/2010

I would allow her. But, if she was to go on a date then you should always make sure an adult is with them. Teen girls and boys have wants, bad wants. To make sure they are safe and they go to the movies, go to a different movie in the same theater. Don't keep checking up on them though, because your daughter may get embarrassed. I would love to go back to my memories of dating. The bad thing is that when the boy or whoever dumps whoever, its gets fisty, and mean and the girl cries a lot. Also make sure they are not sexting or cybersex, thats not rite. And make sure if she has a phone then to make sure she isn't sexting.
hope this works!

By
04/20/2010

You should let her.You just need to talk about it with her. It's cool how you have an great relationship with your daughter.(:

By
12/23/2009

You should definitely let her go. Take it from a teenager. The more you tell us no the more we want to do it. We even sneak out every once in a while if were tired of hearing no. My parents wouldn't let me date until now and I used to sneak around all the time. I couldn't stand them, but I keep my phone with me all the time so she can call me and check up on me. That was her condition. Meet the boy first because you want to make sure she has a good guy that won't influence her in the wrong way.

By
08/23/2009

I'm thankful I have a strong, traditionally-minded hubby. None of our five kids was permitted to actually date one-on-one until they were 16. Group "dates" in public places were no harm, but that was the limit. Same with phone calls; they were severely curtailed... 15 minute limits and no calls after 10:00 PM. Too bad the parents of our oldest son's first serious girlfriend weren't of the same mind. He missed out on a free ride scholarship because his barely-15-year-old girlfriend had his baby.

By
08/20/2009

Well speaking as the mother of a teenaged boy, he is now 19. He was allowed to have a girlfriend at 13. At 14 he had sex for the first time. We didnt find out till he was 16. He had a serious girlfriend at 16 so we only let them spend time together with her parents or with us, thinking this would stop them from having sex. Not! When he comes to us a few months later and says uh my girlfriend, shes 15 is pregnant! I want to know how, thought they were supervised, nope, her parents would leave them alone to go excercise in the garage. It seems so simple with they are 13 so innocent. It can go wrong so fast. They have so many pressures on them, let your child stay a child as long as possible, be the bad guy and just say no as long as you can.

By
08/20/2009

Not letting her "say" that she has a boyfriend can and probably will cause her to be ridiculed at school. I know I just went through this. After I saw what was actually happening to her at school. I told her she could have an "at school' boyfriend. The couldn't go anywhere together and they could not talk on the phone. When she turned 14 I let her talk to boys on the phone for 15 min - that was all she needed to feel "normal" when she turned 15 ( which she is now - I let her start having Parent chaperoned dates).

On her 16th birthday she will be allowed to actually go on a date, between 7 and 9 pm and I will know where she is at all times or she will lose her car and cell phone. All you can do about the sex thing is tell them the truth and hope they listen. And be there for them if you find out they didn't. I guess I am fortunate that my daughter's friends did the "sex" thing and it turned out badly for all of them. And she still hasn't so she has seen first hand how it can truly turn out and know that it is not a fairy tale ending. Good Luck and smile " This too shall Pass"

By
08/20/2009

Look on amazon for these two books by Joshua Harris: "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" and "Boy Meets Girl". Thank me later.

By
08/18/2009

Like others have said, I think it depends on what you mean by date. If it means that there's a boy who she hangs out with, writes notes to, etc., that's fine and healthy. I do think that they shouldn't be left alone in a house--there should always be an adult at home if it's just the two of them, because that's when teens tend to make a lot of bad choices. At 13, they should generally have other friends around as well.

I agree with Barbie that if you try to keep her from seeing boys until she's 18, she'll either a) obey but resent you or b) lie to you. Neither is good. It's normal for kids to push the limits, but they do appreciate a parent who sets sensible boundaries and age-appropriate rules.

Most importantly, talk with her frankly about what's safe--and not just sexually, but emotionally and physically--in a real relationship. Give her an idea of what you think is reasonable at her age now, at 16, at 18, at 21 to give her a better road map of relationship development.

By
08/18/2009

Hi, I remember when I was 13 and was dating behind my parents' back as my dad was very strict and I was not even allowed to talk to boys unsupervised! I know that if you do not allow your daughter to date at all then she will lie to you, and do it anyway because that's what teenagers do. Be her mother and set the rules you want, like you must meet the boy and you want to know where they are going and when he comes over they can sit in her room with the door open always. You must set the rules up front whatever they are for you because you will hear later "you never told me that", or "that's not fair". If you don't like the boy just be polite, talk to him and she will see what sort of guy he is by herself.

Believe me if you make a big deal she will want him even more. Yep that's what teenagers do, they think they know best, haha. Also, most teenage romances do not last long! Please talk to your daughter about sex, and also who cares peer group pressure. Tell her about teenage pregnancy's, maybe take her to a single mothers place. It's not cool, it's hard work and you have your whole life ahead of you. Talk to her about love and that if he does love you he would not ask you to have sex, he would wait till you were older and if you say no it is not because you don't love him, no matter what he says. Because saying no to sex always means no! But most of all, tell her to have fun and enjoy her life and let her know she can always talk to you - no matter what .

Wish someone had told me all this. Good luck!

By
08/18/2009

I think thirteen is a tad young to date. Maybe your daughter could have other interests? After school activities; i.e. sports, clubs, hobbies, etc. A young girl should be hanging out with friends, not boys.

By
08/17/2009

I say you should wait till she is 18 and out of school. Too many kids get distracted now a days with dating each other that sometimes their schoolwork and jobs get slacked off. Now, I know this may sound old fashioned, but wasn't dating a way of getting to find out if the person was the right one for you. I'm sure she will not be getting married at 14. Plus, a lot of time these teenagers date each other, and end up doing things that us parents don't know about.

By
08/17/2009

I agree more with Redhatterb. Having a boyfriend is one thing and dating is something else entirely. I believe she should be allowed to have a boyfriend, but their activities should be supervised by a responsible adult. Let them go to group activities like school dances, but have her curfew be early. Other than that I'd limit it to just hanging out together.
By doing this though, you are giving her some experience with boys before she starts dating. That way when she does she'll be more prepared to handle herself.

By
08/17/2009

Thirteen is definitely too young to date. When my daughters were teen agers(in the late 70s), there was a difference between having a boyfriend/girlfriend and actual dating. They would have a boyfriend, but they didn't actually go out, just hung out at school, during lunch and between classes. I feel there should be limited dating, even in their late teens.

By
08/17/2009

I'm 23 and if I was in your shoes, I would tell her wait till she's 16. That's how old I was when my mother started to let me date. Your daughter may be very mature for her age. But she would also be more mature and be able to handle herself, if anything would happen, if she was a few years older. But if you do decide to let her, make sure the dates are with other kids her age and that all dates supervised by a parent.

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Young Teens Dating

Just yesterday my son told me he asked a girl out and she told him yes. I don't think he should date a girl at this age. He is 14 years old.

Gigi from Paris, France


RE: Young Teens Dating

I don't know how things work in Paris, France. But in Alabama when a boy comes home and says that about a girl (or vise versa), what he means is they are "going together", not physically "going out". Fourteen year olds couldn't "go out" anyway without an adult to act as a facilitator, to either drive them somewhere, drop them off somewhere, provide money for food, movie, etc.

So if you are opposed to that kind of thing, don't facilitate. "Going together" or "going steady" at this age is usually more cute than serious, and the more fuss made about it, the bigger an issue it becomes in the eyes of the kids. The most important thing is that they be supervised properly and given loving guidance about appropriate behavior and respect for each other. Good luck. (12/19/2006)

By Tripleb

RE: Young Teens Dating

I agree that 14 is too young, but to help him gracefully, tell him he may go to a movie with her, if you escort them by driving and sitting somewhere in the theatre where you can see them without making them too uncomfortable. Another option would be for him to invite her over to your home for a meal. (12/19/2006)

RE: Young Teens Dating

At 14 it isn't going to last 5 minutes so I wouldn't object. However I would make sure he knows the facts of life and knows how to use condoms. Kids do have sex at this age and 14 is old enough to get a girl pregnant. It would be ignorant to pretends otherwise. I wouldn't encourage or condone the relationship, but I wouldn't make a fuss either. 14 is about right for beginning to be interested in dating and as long as he is going to school and keeping up with his work and his extra curricular hobbies then its part of growing up. Think back to when you were 14. (12/20/2006)

By Carol

RE: Young Teens Dating

Take the time to talk honestly to your teen, if they will, and tell them that you are aware of how much the corrupt world pulls at them, encouraging wrong things like dating too early. Remind them that they can learn to be best of friends for a long while, before considering private times with each other as they get older and are outside of the presence of a parent. It would be wise to remind them to keep things wholesome, daytime activities, sharing all sorts of things, games, sports, family picnics, hikes, dinnners, cookouts, album making, scrapbooking, reading together and to each other, family video nights with great snacks, etc.

Create a wonderful set of boundaries, if you haven't yet:

  • Keep all doors open.
  • Stay within eyesight and earshot of family members.
  • Share in family conversations, problems, and solutions.
  • Find common interests that are more in home.
  • Get to know each others' parents well.
  • Spend time sitting on the porches, patios, and in the family room.
  • Challenge them to puzzles, non-electric newer games.
  • Provide family time at the library, with ice cream afterward.
  • Turn off the TV and get into a project together.
  • Bring other friends and have afternoon times and creative foods and drinks that are non-carbonated.
  • Find the good in each other, discuss how that happened, and from whom they learned it.
  • Discuss beliefs, right or wrong, and best and worse times of their life, pet names, etc.

Should either teen not be too happy about these ideas, wanting to pull off into silence, into the dark, go out with others at night, not talk to "parents", become silent or sulky, then this is a red flag for the relationship. It is worthy of private discussion as to the appropriate solutions and options according to the family values and boundaries you are setting. Let the friend know that you are friendly, but firm, kind but alert, and that is what you expect of them both.

God bless you for considering that something must be done quickly. Hope this helps. God bless you. (12/20/2006)

By Lynda

RE: Young Teens Dating

Be sure to ask where he is taking her, and make sure that you are their driver and can monitor things a bit. I was pretty young for my first date, but it was on a church hayride and picnic. My son took his "girlfriend" fishing with us. I would not let him take her anywhere with other kids and no chaperone. After all, this is a learning experience for him and you. Hope all turns out well. Keep in mind that you are the mom and that his best interests are at heart. (12/20/2006)

By Margie M.

RE: Young Teens Dating

Be careful that you don't read too much into this. Sometimes going out at this age means hanging out together at lunch at school or having someone to talk to of the opposite sex. They have a ready made partner at the school dance. This is a natural first step to actually dating. I know there are kids that are beyond this stage at this age, but if this is your son's first girlfriend than it is all probably innocent.

As stated by others, at this age they need help getting around and you can always be the one to be there for your son to guide him. I know I was shocked when my oldest daughter came home one day and asked me if she could have a boyfriend. She was 12 at the time. My first instinct was to say no you are too young until I asked her what she meant by having a boyfriend. I relaxed after her answer.

I have two beautiful daughters in their 20's that are both seriously dating wonderful young men. Maybe you should talk to your son before you assume anything and take it from there. Good luck with the parenting thing with teenagers. (12/20/2006)

By Connie from Canada

RE: Young Teens Dating

First I want to say that I started dating my now husband when I was only 13 years old, I am now 32 years old and have been married for 12 years. When I started "dating" him it meant just hanging out at school or visits at each others homes that were supervised. We were allowed to go to a local roller skating rink with my younger brother along to watch. We all know how they love to tattle. My advise would be to just watch what activities they do and make sure you are comfortable with the plan. You never know how serious this could eventually be. My husband and I "broke up" quite a few times to date other people, but always came back to each other. Let him enjoy this youthful time. (12/20/2006)

By Guest

RE: Young Teens Dating

I think you should let your son do what he wants, but warn him about certain things. I am 28 and started dating when I was 12 and I don't think anything was wrong with it. Don't be worried if they start kissing, but if they get to "second base" you should have a serious talk with your son. But don't separate them or you will lose all trust and respect from your son. (01/01/2009)

By taco

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