Teenager Dating Rule
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Many parents go head to head with their kids on teenager dating rules. It's no secret that parents' ideas and expectations for dating often differ widely from their teens, and sometimes conflicts arise over this issue. For some, the more rules that are established the better. For others, it's easier to ignore many of the issues surrounding this touchy subject.
Teenager Dating Rules
Before your kids become old enough to date, it's a good idea to start developing a few ground rules. By doing this, your soon-to-be teenager will already know what your expectations are, and you might head off a few conflicts. Once the time for dating arrives, it's best to review the ground rules. While of course a parent's job is to set limitations and enforce rules, you can help your teen become more excepting of these teenager dating rules if you allow her some ownership as well. This means letting her in on some of the decision making. Compromise will go a long way in any relationship, and this is especially true for teen/parent bonds. Setting boundaries is a good way to introduce your teen to the world of dating.
- Age Limits-Your teen should know in advance at what age you will allow her to date. For example, you might consider letting her go out on a group date at 14, but she isn't allowed to go on a first date alone until she becomes 16.
- First Impressions-You can't form a first impression if you haven't met the boy or girl who is going out with your child, right? Be sure all of your teen's friends come in the house to meet and/or talk to you before he or she leaves.
- Know the Details-Because most teens now have access to cell phones, there isn't any excuse for not knowing where your teen will be at all times. If a change of plans occurs, such as a sold out movie or long lines at the local pizzeria, your teen can let you know. Find out who is driving, where they are going, and how many people will be in the car.
- Communication-It's important that your teen understand you will be there for him if he needs a ride. This could be for any number of reasons—someone could be drinking; your teen may not want to participate in an activity; your teen may feel uncomfortable or threatened, etc.
Online Rules
With the introduction of sites, such as MySpace and FaceBook, teens have the opportunity to meet virtually hundreds of other teenagers from all across the world. As you are discussing each teenager dating rule, don't overlook teen chat rooms and online dating. Safety issues are just as important, and in some instances more so, when it comes to establishing online relationships. Be sure your teen knows the following rules:
- Never give out personal information online.
- Recognize that the person you are e-mailing or chatting with may not be who they say they are.
- Tell your parents if you are interested in meeting someone in person.
- Never meet someone alone. Take a friend with you, and meet in a public place.
- Report any problems, threats, or anything else that makes you uncomfortable, whether online or in person.
More Dating Rules
Once you've established the basic dating rules, use your teen's introduction into dating as a learning experience for him. Whether your teen is male or female, there are basic behaviors that should be expected.
- Treat your date with respect. Be kind, considerate, and accommodating, if possible.
- Treat your date's parents with respect. Remember, just as your parents are concerned about you, they are concerned about their child as well.
- Be upfront and honest. Let both sets of parents know where you are going, who will be there, what you will do, and when you'll be home.
- Don't lead your date on! If you don't think the relationship will work, be kind and honest about it. Don't give false hope. In the end, this is cruel, not kind.
More Resources
Finally, for more insight and advice on teen dating, check out the following Websites:
This page has been accessed 430 times. This page was last modified 05:58, 15 May 2007.
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