What do you think is the proper age for a child to start dating?

Answer 1

The way I see it, dating serves two primary developmental purposes. One is to develop gender appropriate social skills. The other is to find someone to marry. The teen years when young people begin their quest for identity is a difficult and insecure time for many youth. Under these circumstances, dating can be awkward at the least and devastating in the extreme. Also, they have to learn how to cope with their changing bodies and the hormones that begin to "rage" through them. All of this, and more, makes the teen years among the most difficult and frustrating.

I think my two teens are managing their teen years much better than I did. We have suggested and they have complied with our direction that they hold off on dating until they reached 16. At that age, they began to arrange and go out on group dates. My wife and I have hosted some of the dinners or after event get togethers and have observed how comfortable and fun these activities have been. I think a big reason this kind of dating is so successful is that the burden of managing the social aspects of the date is shared by the group instead of being dumped on two awkward teens.

Two people sharing time by themselves is a more intimate experience than dating in a group. The more intimate dating experiences are the more emotional attachments and entanglements come with them. You cannot spend lots of time with one person and not begin to develop feelings for them - whether you are prepared or even willing to cope with those feelings. The development of these kinds of bonds is a primary reason couples date. But, the importance of these kinds of bonds is much more relevant in a teens life the closer they get to the age when they will be seriously contemplating finding a life partner.

I know in our society the attitudes about dating are very relaxed, but there are very real developmental issues involved that really shouldn't be dismissed. My two teens have embraced the idea of starting group dates at 16, and delaying one-on-one dates until they are 18, and saving exclusive one-on-one relationships until they are ready to look for someone to commit their lives to. I know it sounds old fashioned, but so far it seems to be working well for them.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

15 to 16

Answer 3

Group dates 16.

Answer 4

14 to 16

Answer 5

Can I vote for 21? LOL! My two oldest daughters started going out in groups at about 15 and dating alone at about 16. It wasn't like "yea, it's your birthday, now you can start dating." They each found their groups sort of pairing off as time went by and an important school thing or something came up so they were allowed to go out on a date. As long as they didn't do anything to lose my trust they were allowed to continue dating.

Answer 6

Growing up I was not allowed to date until age 16 and most of those had to be group dates.

Answer 7

The younger the better to be honest, thirteen is good as long as you know where they are, like a movie, etc. If you tell your child, NO DATING TILL EIGHTEEN!1!1!1!! I know you want to help them, keep them safe, but it really does more harm than good. Most of the punishment's inflicted on teens do. It causes them to rebel, and act out much more. My parents, RARELY punished me, and to that I was very grateful, and wanted to keep it as such so I never did anything wrong! Letting teenagers do what they want may seem like a crazy idea, but it will help prepare them for life in the long run.

Dating, is one of those things. Without knowing about how to have a relationship, these girls are about 100% more likely to fall victim to abuse from relationship, or be unprepared to handle one once they are allowed.
Sort of like the drinking age. I was ALWAYS was allowed to drink, and I never paid much mind to it because of it. At a party? Beer? So what? Who cares? But who were the ones who were chugging and getting them selfs in serious danger... the children of the parents who... "OMG GOTTA PROTECT MA BABIE SHE CANT DO IT TILL SHES 30!111!1"

Answer 8

15 is about the right age.

Answer 9

Define "Dating" My 10 year old grand daughter has had a boyfriend since 2nd grade. They are going into 5th grade this coming school year.They go to movies and each others houses to play. Neither even knows about affection. But they say they are girlfriend and boyfriend. Are they "dating" ?

Answer 10

I agree with 16....and then again it will depend on the maturity of my daughter. If she is responsible or not. Maybe a few years sooner if she proves herself to be ready. I guess I will just play it by ear. But on average I would say 16.