Is it okay for 13 year olds to date?

Answer 1

This is a "loaded" question and the answer depends upon many things. First of all, you need to talk to your daughter and find out the following things:

A) How old is the boy (if there really IS a relationship) and what does he expect when dating your daughter? Anyone more than a year or so older should be strongly discouraged. A fifteen-year-old boy will most likely be quite ready for sex, and able to convince your daughter to do it. However, many boys are NOT ready and realize it. You must get to know the boy.

B) What does SHE expect? Why does she want a boyfriend at such a young age (many girls do it to imitate friends, while others feel as though it will solve their problems, whatever those may be...the latter is more serious).

C) Ask: what does your daughter MEAN by the word "boyfriend"? Many kids that age simply mean someone they consider attractive, physically and personality-wise and who makes them feel desirable or even just witty and cool. Parents are often surprised to find that their kids are "grossed-out" when confronted with questions about sex!

D) After a casual, NON-CONFRONTATIONAL discussion with your daughter, if you think it's okay for her to have a friendship-based, non-sexual relationship with the boy, then meet him. (my personal belief is that no one that age is really ready for sex; besides, they aren't of legal age to consent!)

E) Try to be relaxed around him, find out his interests and DEFINITELY MEET HIS PARENTS (or guardians)! You can learn a great deal from talking with a child's elders: values, how closely they are supervised, what their idea of a relationship is and so on.

F) If the relationship "blossoms", or even before that, have a serious talk about the consequences of getting "involved" with someone. Though she may think it's casual, he may not, or vice-versa.

Discuss things such as the obvious: risk of pregnancy and STD's. (If these are too tough for you, enlist the help of your school's health teacher, a counselor or a relative).

There are other serious concerns such as:

- becoming too possessive (either one of them).

- one person trying to control the other's life (friends, activities, schedule, interests).

- getting so emotionally dependent that the child feels they will "fall apart" if the relationship ends.

- worst of all: dating violence or even rape. The statistics on both of these are alarming and definitely not limited to older kids or married couples! Warn your child, since their school's program may NOT. Too many parents think the school will teach their kids all they need to know. NOT TRUE!

A good thing to tell your child is to remember: "Never let anyone do anything to you that YOU don't want them to!" and "You can always come to us if there's a problem" (you must MEAN this and not "freak out" if there IS a problem!).

Above all, maintain an open mind, yet DO supervise your child's comings and goings. Here is where giving your child a cell-phone is a good idea, even if it's "Just for emergencies". Know where she'll be and with whom. Have her call when she gets to someone else's house and when she's leaving to come back. This is NOT stupid; it's common sense and safety!

If your child will not be open with you or abide by your rules and wishes around dating, do NOT be afraid to tell her that she cannot have a boyfriend unless she does obey the rules.

One simple way to put it, rather than getting into accusations and arguments is; "You broke the rules, and now you lose the privilege of..." (whatever it is). This makes it less personal and prepares the child for the eventual entry into the outside world, in which the rules are set and they will rarely get second chances (such as with a boss at work!).

Keeping your head, not getting emotional or yelling and always letting your child know you love her and are there for her, no matter what, are the key things from preventing her from seeking solace somewhere else. Too many girls AND boys get deeply involved at a young age because they feel lonely, unpopular or are disconnected from their families.

A child who substitutes the affection of a boyfriend or girlfriend for that of family is setting themselves up for disappointment, at best, and a lifetime of heartache (pregnancy, disease or even abuse) at worst! Be your kid's advocate. You don't need to be best friends, just a loving parent!

P.S. Be realistic: Many kids, despite our best efforts, WILL experiment with sex. Inquire with your school as to their classes in health and sex education. Many are sorely lacking! Try your best to give them information YOU know...but also your values. It may not seem like it, but they usually DO listen to you!

Answer 2

You have to remember you are getting peoples opinions here. Different beliefs, religions, or just different ways of thinking. But my personal experience has been that yes 13 is too young to date. When dating you are seeking knowledge about the person you could potentially marry. Your not going to date someone at 13 and marry them! If you just want to get to know them better it's a whole lot more fun to go to a movie as a group or just hang out with them and some friends. It takes the pressure off too.

Answer 3

Although this is only an opinion I would say no. A good age to start dating in my opinion would be 16 and up. That way you have better understandings and you are starting to mature a little.

Answer:

No, it should be 18 and up but with parent's advice. But, according to religion it is prohibited.

Answer 4

no way lol ma 1st babyish date waz at 8 or 9 so dnt wory about it itll go well if u guys r rite!!

ANOTHER ANSWER:-

"Is Age 13 to young for relationship?", Its answer depends upon you yourself, What do you think. will you be able to handle a relationship

Now what's The reason of you asking this

• everyone has a partner, boyfriend/girlfriend i want one too.
• I like that girl in my class and i wanna be her boyfriend or the other way around.

Now first kid you have to understand that relationships are a big thing, even if you are 13 yrs old, its a big responsibility. you have to commit yourself through and 13 yrs is a small age for commitment.

Also your parents decision is important in this thing because you wont like to surprise them, when they visit a nearby hangout place that you are in a relationship.

at least let your parents know the truth first.

And Honestly these relationships never work out, because people and their thinking change from time to time.

So in my opinion wait for some time, so that you wont regret your childhood mistake as you grow up.

and if you do think you are old enough than don't take it to more physical then kissing at least until you are of 17yrs(Or the minimum age required in your country) or more and do it with a person who really likes and cares for you.

and HEY WHATEVER YOU DO, HAVE FUN

you

Answer 5

Well, it all depends on how mature the 13-year-old is. If they seem mature enough to date, then yes, it's fine. However, if they don't seem mature enough then them dating could be a problem. So it's basically a question of maturity.

Answer 6

no. it's not to young. cause ur a teenager now.

Answer 7

It depends if you think your ready or not, though my friend would disagree...

I think you should focus on your school work and try not to think about boys so much at your age.

Answer 8

Yes! But be aware that dating is preparation for marriage....and you may be pressured in to doing sexual/physical stuff. as long as youre okay with that, yes!