meow_173

So, we have the discussion if teens from 13-18 could experience love. And its crazy because some kids younger then this say they ahve bf's and gf's.

Now my question to you AS parents; would you let your child have a bf or gf at the age of 13 or younger? At what age do you let them start dating?

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Trina

I think it's possible for teens to experience love, but not the kind necessary for a life long marriage.

I had "boy friends" starting in Gr. 6 unbeknownst to my parents. We just saw each other at school or during group outings. I wasn't allowed to start dating formally until 16. I think it's important for everyone to date a lot of different people before settling down with one partner for good, not only to gain relationship experience, but also to learn what characteristics they like and/or dislike in a life time mate.

Concerning my own kids - I know they'll have BF/GFs in junior high, but they won't be permitted car dates until at least 15/16.

Cthru

This is SO my least favorite subject. I'm terrified of my girls with dating.
They are 15 this year.. just finishing first year in high school. Our rule is no dating until 16, and even then I would like them to start on group dates.
They've had 'crushes' or consider themselves 'going' with someone in the past but all that means is they talk on the phone a lot and have rep for being a couple at school.. but nothing more than that... kid stuff.
It's the real dating scene that scares me to death. I may go completely gray getting them through high school.

musicmom

Mindy

No, I wouldn't let them actually date until they were like 15-16, but I will not deny that they can feel love. Just the same as the rest of us, and just intensely. Just one of the reasons it sucks to be a teen for the most part. You have all the adult emotions, but are unable to deal with a lot of them.

Mindy

I say it depends on the kids.

My mum and dad are 50 and 52 respectively. They have been "dating" since they were 12 and 14. They have been happily married for 29 years now. Together for nearly 40 years. They have never dated anyone else.

Trina

As I mentioned in the other thread on this topic, I do know of some happily married couples who were high school sweet hearts, but that doesn't happen often.

HappyMomma

But I am so not ready to think about this yet

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Mindy

True enough.

Claire64

I'm going through this with my 12 year old right now. He has a "girlfriend" who goes to his school, and they actually hang out a lot. She comes over most days after school and they hang out with a bunch of kids on the weekends. I have made the rule that if they're going on a "date" or even hanging out outside of my house, there has to be at least 5 kids there. That way there is no single, or double dates.

With my older son, he was more into hanging out with guys and playing sports until he was about 13. He went on his first "official" date just after he turned 14 and he's had a bunch of girlfriends since then. I didn't really put any restrictions on him, because he is very level-headed and knows what is acceptable and what is not.