Whether people see teenage couples in the silver screen or online media platforms, many cannot help but swoon for their relationship. “Ah, love. The stuff that makes the world go ’round, leaves us swooning, and creates that feeling of walking on air with butterflies in our bellies, barely able to catch our breath,” quotes Sara Villanueva Ph.D. Young love always seems so sweet, after all. The lovebirds talk about and share their dreams with each other. They do not have to deal with various responsibilities like adults. It gives them a shot at meeting their one true love early too.
Despite that, we are not oblivious of the fear that reigns over the parents’ hearts whenever they think of their teenage son or daughter dating someone. Some folks even say, “Why, do you have a job already? How can you feed your future family?” Although it sounds like an overreaction, you know that their anxiety is not a product of their wild imagination.
Thus, if you consider allowing your teens to date, these are the things you should think about before giving your go signal.
- Their Age
The first point you need to reflect on is your son or daughter’s age. In case he or she is almost out of high school, then you may not have to worry about them not knowing how to handle themselves in front of people. If your child only reached the age of 12, it is possible that he or she may have heard about dating from others, but they have zero interest in relationships in real life.
- The Person That They Will Go Out With
Most kids who ask parents when they can go on a date typically have someone in mind already. The cutie at school perhaps asked your daughter out, or your son is thinking of doing the same thing to his crush. “Parents routinely meet and talk to their adolescent’s date. This is probably safer than having their teenager date someone they have not even met,” stresses Carl E Pickhardt Ph.D.
Whichever the case is, it matters for you to get to know their love interest without embarrassing your teenage children. For instance, allow your kids to speak of what this person is like and why your teen son or daughter wants to be with them. Considering you all live in a small town or village, you can subtly scrutinize their crush on the church or talk to them at the park briefly. This way, you will get to decide if he or she will be a good influence on your teenager.
- The Possibility Of Premarital Sex
Fascinatingly enough, some parents want to discourage their children from dating early because they find it uncomfortable to open a discussion about the birds and the bees. After all, it is their responsibility to inform the kids of what can happen when a boy and a girl experiment together sexually. It won’t be a fun conversation – that’s true – yet you should think of how you can discuss the matter before your teens start dating. “Despite the sometimes obsessive fixation on accruing romantic experiences during adolescence, teens may be better off tending to their friendships to reap the benefits of romantic satisfaction in the future,” advises David Szwedo Ph.D.
- The Curfew
In households where everyone must be home at a specific hour, you have to look into the curfew that you will impose on the teenage child whenever he or she is on a date. Will it be the same as before? Will you let him or her to stay outside the house for an hour or two longer?
When you inform your kids regarding this curfew, try not to be overly strict. You were a teenager once, and you surely are aware that the children who find their parents’ rules unfair have a great chance of rebelling. For sure, you do not want your son or daughter to sneak out, so you have to be rational when it comes to their dating time limit.
Thinking of your baby boy or girl falling in love can be terrifying. Many parents say they wish to see their kids grow up and create a family of their own, but they always have qualms about letting the latter date. Nevertheless, if you believe that your teenager is ready for romance – and their love interest is not some psycho – you may allow him or her to start dating.
Good luck!