Teenagers and Dating

Sunday night I was one out of a few million watching Real Housewives of Atlanta. So I’m sure many of you like me saw the blow up between Nene and Cynthia. Both women had different opinions on children dating as teenagers. What age is appropriate? Cynthia’s daughter is 14 and is dating a boy. I like the way Cynthia is handling everything. She met the boy and his parents. Both parents set some ground rules. But would I want my daughter dating at this age? Or even my son? Do they know how to have a serious relationship at that age? Do they know what does it mean to have a hook up?

Before I answer the way I feel about this subject doesn’t mean I am judging other parents decisions this is just the way I myself feel about it. I have spoken to both my daughter and son. I told them both that I don’t think they should date until they are 16. I don’t care if they have friends of the opposite sex but they will not be officially dating anyone until they are 16 and even then it depends on how their grades are and if they are taking care of their chores at home. Above all those things come first. I just feel that if they can’t handle it before they start dating it is going to be even tougher when they start. There will also be rules. Like no being any rooms with doors shut. We will know where they are at all times. My friend told me that when her daughters started dating, she would vet the boys using a service similar to reverse phone lookup. It might be something I’ll consider when they turn 16 and start dating.

When I was a kid I don’t necessarily remember my parents giving me an age limit. I remember coming home in 4th grade and telling my mom I had a boyfriend because a boy decided he wanted me as a girlfriend but that was all we said. We didn’t speak on the phone, kiss, date, or anything. I honestly don’t remember having my first official boyfriend until I was like 15. Up until that point I would hang out with my. friends as a group. I honestly just wasn’t ready to date and didn’t really worry about it until I was ready. I feel like being an adult and dating means that you’ve got a bit more lived experience behind you so you kind of know what to expect when going into new relationships and things to look out for like whether the relationship moving too slow or if it’s just not a good match.

All I want for my kids is for them to focus on what is important. Which for them right now is school. My daughter already had some little boy ask her out. When she told me I was so not ready. I about passed out. She actually told The Husband first because I had already told her where I stood on dating. She was wondering how she should answer. He told her to be honest with her. Apparently she told him yes but I don’t think she really cares. They don’t talk on the phone and they don’t go out on dates. I mean the kid can’t even give out his number so I don’t think we have anything to worry about now cause she really isn’t that interested in boys right now. I think that she just didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I’m just not ready for either one of my babies to date. So them waiting for 16 gives me time to get use to the idea as well. Once they reach the age of 16 I’ll show them websites like myvessyl so they can learn some dating tips if they get a boyfriend/girlfriend, but that’s a while off! You all understand right? I want both of us to be ready.