What is an appropriate age to begin dating?

Question

I am astounded at all the 13 and 14 year olds who claim to be "dating". Are their parents insane or don't they care?

I'm starting to feel better about this. :D It's good to see so many caring parents out there.

I am loving some of the answers to the 2nd part of my question. Make sure you answer both parts if you want to get "best answer".

Answer 1

for double dating sixteen would be a good age and if you still live at home then eighteen would be a good age for single dating. some parents just don't care

Answer 2

Well, doesn't that depend to some extent what we mean by "dating"? If that means going off for a romantic weekend somewhere, then it would be reasonable to question the parents' levels of responsibility. If "dating" means going to the school dance or having parents drive them to a movie and pick them up afterward, then I don't think that's very much different than it was 40 years ago.

What is different now, I think (and this is only my relatively uninformed opinion) are the mature themes that are portrayed casually in the popular media. Adolescents see this material and it has an effect on how they think they should behave. At very least this enhances adolescents' natural desire to seem older and more sophisticated than they are.

Add to this the desire to fit in with a peer group, and if all they are doing is claiming to be dating, then we (and they) ought to count ourselves as lucky.

As far as the parents' sanity is concerned, it's good to remember that parents are also bombarded by the same sorts of entertainment and advertising. Under such an onslaught, it is easy to get used to the fire-hose of pop culture and fail to see it from the point of view of someone in his/her early teens. Add in the fact that most parents (single or married) are working hard just to keep the financial wolves from the door, and one could perhaps forgive a certain lack of energy that could impact their levels of vigilance.

And finally, keep in mind that many of us tend to long for our own time of innocence. So we see things that we'd like to protect adolescents from and forget our own attitudes when we were that age.

The good news is that most of us make it through.

Answer 3

16

Answer 4

16

Answer 5

We have a daughter (six months old, but we're already preparing). We realize that there will need to be some flexibility depending on her maturity level. If she's not mature enough (our interpretation of it) then the age limits rise. Assuming she's a smart girl with common sense, the following will apply:

We've decided that at 14, she will be allowed to go to events with a young man if we are there as well (or it's a chaperoned event (ie. a dance, bowling party, etc) *and* we know the young man (and we approve), his family, etc. For example, if she wants to invite him over for dinner, we'd ok that. If she'd like to go to the movies, that's a possibility so long as she knows we'll be about five rows back. A study date at our house would be fine, as well (doors open).

If we don't know the young man (ie. he's some kid she met at school a month ago), it goes up to age 15, same conditions.

At 16, we'd allow solo dating to appropriate PUBLIC venues, as long as we've met the young man and approve, possibly *slightly* younger if she's been "dating" (as per above chaperoned conditions) the young man for a while.

And we will not hesitate to revoke those privileges if they are taken advantage of. No one has a RIGHT to date until they move out of the house and are supporting themselves. If she can't follow our rules, she gets none of the freedoms that go with them.

My husband is in the military and, by that time, will probably have risen to the top of the chain. He will make that known to the young man. He will also share one of his passions with the young man; his gun collection. Nothing says lovin' like knowing Dad has a variety of weapons to ensure that you never mess around with his little girl again. :-)

Answer 6

They're probably not taking the dating thing seriously, but if they are, then they are weird parents! Young ladies should start dating by the age of 17 or 18 when they are more mature and responsible. Any younger and the couple should be chaperoned.

Answer 7

15

Answer 8

I am astounded too. Parents today seem to want the easy way out. God forbid their kids get upset or bent out of shape. If the kids want it, they get it. Kids that age are way too young to handle the emotional part of dating, and parents should be strong enough to tell them no! So..yes, the parents are insane..lol

Answer 9

15-16

Answer 10

definite, 14 is ideal to initiate courting. yet make confident you do not become a **** and date anybody. First, to procure to imagine about what you do with that guy or female and watch who you %., because all adult males wanna do is get on your pants and play you, so make confident you stick into the books, and make confident that guy treats you good, if not, wait until eventually someone loves you for who you're. you need to take it so a procedures as you want to take it, yet a useless ringer for i reported ^^ watch how a procedures you're taking it.