Teenagers. Wow, what a handful. Come on, you remember when you were one! You might already have one at home. Or you might be counting the days until yours are that old.

Either way, you can still have an opinion on them. And today's question calls just for that. At what age is it appropriate to begin dating? Does the age differ between boys and girls?

This is a very important topic, so what's your opinion?

I think that dating too early is something that as parents we need to control more.......use positiive outlets.   I am not saying that what my parents did was the best thing...but I am so grateful for them and what they did to make sure we didn't have dating issues and drama.  My mom wanted me to focus as much as I could in school both my parents were so involoved in our school it was amazing......They let me do other things that had my focus off dating and they were going to buy me a car when I turned 17......so I had so many other positive things to look forward to dating was never an issue.  Some might call it bribes but...but I would do it again with my kids because I had no stress during school......Just school and every program I did and all the activities we were doing......Yes I was spoiled but........I learned a lot from that...... then I joined the military....but I was never..."that girl"......(in the military "that girl" is the one who will get pregnant just to get off the navy ship)I continued this through the Military and I got a lot more respect from my co-workers.....So making a short question very long............dating to me for my kids is going to be a challange and a road that I am going to make sure they are well aware of.  I just want them to enjoy being kids and not have to worry about adult behavior until they are adults.......I was 17 when I got my drivers license (that was the age in NJ) and I do not think at 16 they are even close to being able to have that much power and control on the road.  My kids will not get theres until 17....But I will make a few deals with them on a car and money for respecting themselves and enjoy being a kid.............SORRY THAT WAS LONG

Scarlet can start dating after she's married.



Actually, I'm going with Kel here.  Stay involved in 1000 things and don't worry about the drama until later.  College or beyond.  

  

I didn't go on my first date until I was 16. And it was a very harmless rollerskating date. I don't think I will let my kids date until they are at least 16. I might never let my daughters date!!!!

If daddy has anything to say - the girls will be 30, and our son will be when he wants.

Now mommy on the other hand says - 16-17 yrs of age sounds appropriate, as long as I know the girl/boy friend and all is kosher.

I was from a small midwest town, I dated in jr high, however - I was never that girl either.  There were several girls in my school(s) that were. My husband's jr high / high school sweetheart was 13 yrs old when she became "a woman", I use that term loosely, and I think that is a disgrace.

This momma will be involved in keeping her kids active also, to keep mind off the opposite sex.



 

Oh geez. We have been dealing with this one. Our daughter is now in college, so it's no longer an issue that we have much if any say on. While we did, she was 16 before she went on her first date. The husband had his shotgun out near the front door. No joke. If he had his way, he would never allow her to date. I am sure of it.

That brings up a funny question. What is the craziest thing your husband has ever done to intimidate your child's boyfriend/date. Most likely him getting after a boy coming over. He never paid too much attention or tried to intimidate our sons girlfriends. It's hypocritical, but true. Sons have it much easier in this situation than daughters do.

hmm im not sure about this one havent really thought about it. i didnt have boyfriends till high school and then it was mainly just see them at school and maybe sometimes go to the mall or a movie with a large group of friends. we would sometimes hang out at each others houses but we usally still had friends around. i started dating my husband when i was 16 hehe. i didnt really have to deal with my dad over the whole dating thing him and my mom divorced when i was in jr high and he wasnt around a whole lot. my mom just said you will know when you are ready and thats about it.