The Truth About Teen Dating

Teen dating is a mysterious world for parents. The dating world has changed greatly from years past. Parents have been known to have a very traditional view on dating, as opposed to a teen’s modern approach. Parents try to keep their children from advancing too far by enforcing dating rules. Their children react by sneaking around and going against the wishes of their parents. The teens of today are advanced at keeping secrets and they believe they will never be caught. The fact that they can sneak around behind their parents backs are what makes the relationships seem so mysterious.

The following are several truths about teen dating:

• If your child is interested in dating at an early age, it is completely normal.  Many pre-teen relationships occur only at school.  They hold hands, meet after classes, and talk on the phone at night.  Take advantage of these days, because this is the innocent time.  If your child wants their boyfriend, or girlfriend, to come over to your house, make sure they know that the bedroom is off limits.  Let them have privacy in the living room, but still keep a watchful eye on them from the other room.
• The sad truth about teen dating is that teenagers do not know how to really date.  They have learned everything from TV and from their lives at home.  If they are taught to respect other people’s space at home, then that is one lesson about dating taken care of.  It is not necessary for you to sit down with your teen and give them the 101 on dating, but you may want to go over the risk factors.  This could also be a very good opportunity to bring up your teen’s sexual life.  Above all, remember that teens receive their information from the hallways at school, their friends, magazines, and TV.  Make sure they know the real truth before they venture out into the real dating world.
• Do not arrange a meeting for you and your teen to discuss dating.  Many teens do not like having to discuss dating with their parents.  More than likely, if you tell them you are going to talk about the issue later, they will make sure they are not home when the time comes.  Instead, bring it up casually such as when you are shopping or when a scenario comes up on TV.
• Your daughter, or son, who was once your baby, is not a baby anymore.  There was a time when they would tell you everything, but do not expect that now.  Do not have your feelings hurt and do not grip on to them for dear life.  By trying to over-attach yourself to them, it will push them away even further.

When your teen enters the dating world, it can be a very bitter sweet experience. A part of you loves the fact that your child is blossoming into a young adult. You are probably already planning the details of the wedding in your mind. However, you also miss having a child that needs you. Do not forget that your teen still needs you, no matter how much they act like they do not.