Was just woundering what other moms think a good age is for children to start dating???

Candi - posted on 10/30/2010

its terrible. My oldest daughter is only 10 andmost of her classmates have boyfriends/girlfriends. Nothing serious, but their parents allow them to walk around the neighborhood together and hold hands, etc. Not me. I told my kids they can't date until they are 35. lol. In all seriousness, Middle School is too young as well. Myson is in middle school and he has no interest right now. I really don't worry about him giving into peer pressure, but my 10 yr old daughter is another story. Being a girl, she has that need to be accepted by her peers. My son doesn't care of nobody likes him. lol. My youngest is only 5, she will tell people her boyfriend is edward cullen. HAHA

Stacey - posted on 10/30/2010

I honestly think its to young to date, society has changed with kids this age, its not the same as it was 15 years ago. i have a 12 year old daughter and as much as i would hope to trust her, the peer pressure now is worst then ever imo.

Remy - posted on 10/29/2010

OMG! Yes, 11 is too young. Way too young.I have 5 kids. three are over 15. Their age for dating is 15. anytime before that I simply did not condone it...Of course they called themselves having boyfriend befor that but as far as im concerned it was only in school, cause they couldnt talk on the phone or go anywhere or have boy company before 15.

Natalie - posted on 10/29/2010

I absolutely agree! My daughter is 10 and a half and I can't believe the amount of boys and girls that interested in each other. I told my daughter that she is just asking for trouble. The amount of times that her girl friends get hurt is crazy! It is just drama, drama, drama! Girls are jealous and mean to each other over boys and it drives me crazy. I want her to have a good social life, but not in this manner. I think she understands. Dating in this house is for sure not until the child is mature and capable - maybe 16 for my son and 30 for my daughter! HA!!!

Laura - posted on 10/22/2010

As a little background information, keep in mind that kids at this age (10-13 yrs) are learning how to socialize appropriately along gender lines (boy-girl). Generally speaking, kids at this age are not thinking about sexuality but rather just the concept of relating to each other in a social context. That's not to say that sexual intercourse can't happen at that age, just that MOST kids aren't thinking in those terms yet at this age.

The other problem comes with what a parent's concept of "dating" is. If it is interpreted as a social event in a public place, then "dating", even at a young age, wouldn't neccessarily be a bad thing. If "dating" involves a more intimate setting between a young boy and girl, then that would be a potential problem.

This is a situation where communication becomes a parent's best tool to use: Talk to your son about what "dating" means to you. Explain what your expectations are and what your limits are. While the concept of "boyfriend/girlfriend" might be okay in a social situation, "dating" might not be an exceptable option at this time. Remember, you are the parent and ultimately the decision of what you want for your son will be up to you. Good luck!