Your Teen Just Stated Dating. What Do You Do? Talk and Listen to Your Child.
Oct 21st, 2008 by James Cavalier
The idea of your teen dating can strike fear into the hearts of the parents in question. You’ve been around the block and know that things can go wrong in the dating scene. After all, you were once a teenager!
Some memories from your own teen dating experience still hang on your shoulders. Maybe you go out with someone that proved to be a jerk, maybe your date did not show up at all, but remember those times, too, when everything went perfect and you turned home like walking on a cloud.
There will be ups and downs, and your job as a parent is to be there for your teen and guide them in this new interaction with their peers.
The best preparation for teen dating starts at home. Young people base their expectations on the model you provide. Long before teen dating comes into their consciousness, kids see how their parents interact. Issues like respect for each other, compromise, privacy and assertive behavior are demonstrated at home between parents. When you and your partner have arguments, they are usually resolved in a compromise, with a little give and take on both sides. These are social skills that will help them in the teen dating scene.
Approach teen dating with confidence. Giving supportive guidance without being intrusive and keeping them safe are your primary goals. Here are a few ideas to get your teen started in the dating scene.
Being aware of the things that could go wrong on teen dating is not enough. Make some suggestions, that will prevent things from going downhill in the worst way possible, For starters, suggest the kid that it would be better to go on a double date, or to meet with others, in a group, and to have fun together. There must be something that your son or daughter likes, like skating or bowling. This kind of activities are fun and they will get to know others of their own age.
Teens are very sensitive about the subject of teen dating. Be careful to let them know you’ll be there for them without fostering an atmosphere of intrusiveness on your part. Respect their privacy. There will be times when they won’t want to talk about every little thing. If you respect their privacy, they’ll eventually come to you for your advice and opinions.
When the opportunity arises, have a frank talk with your child about some of the down sides of teen dating, and help them establish limits. If they find themselves in a situation where alcohol or drugs are present, let them know these components lead to being taken advantage of or being arrested. Let them know these situations will come up and that they can feel free to call you any time for a ride home if they feel uncomfortable. Be sure to emphasize that they’ll not be punished.
Here is how you should deal with teen dating. Be a responsible parent and let your kid open up to you. It is really easy.
