Teen Girls and Dating? Nope. Never. No Way. Okay, Maybe.

There are several rules and tactics one can use when allowing their daughter to date. It is important establish boundaries while at the same time encouraging freedom for decision making. This is about foster a positive social development. First it helps to actively communicate with your daughter to understand their feelings on dating. This includes active listening and non-judgmental advice. It is important to establish rules like group outings versus one-on-one scenarios. Sometimes it helps to chaperone activities until the right stage of maturity.

Key Takeaways:

One on one dating is too much too soon and too stressful for most 14 yr. olds. But a group date can be fun and take a lot of the pressure of for the daters and the parents.
As a concerned parent it may be acceptable to chaperone a younger group of teens. Just remember to give them space and stay behind and not try to be a buddy.
It’s important to stay calm and non-judgmental when entering the ‘so you want to date talk.’ It’s very important to define dating, as your idea and your daughter’s may be very different.

“When you sense an opportunity, talk to her about the dangers of dating, including violence (which, by the way is just as likely to be initiated by girls as by boys).”