When your kid asks permission to date for the first time or several times after that, it becomes emotionally challenging for parents. There are a lot of issues that parents have to deal with when it comes to teen dating. They worry about the safety of their kid going out alone with someone from the opposite sex. They are also concerned about what kids might do, given the changing tides. These are but normal reactions of parents towards their kids – they are surprised and amazed at how rapidly their child is growing and wonder if this is the appropriate age for them to start dating.

Especially when kids enter teenhood, it can be tough for parents to maintain equilibrium between parental authority and allowing their child the freedom to explore life on his or her own. Parents have different perceptions when it comes to teen dating. Some allow their kid to go out when s/he reaches the age 16 while others do not mind as long as they are with a group of other paired up friends. Some parents also think that the decision to allow their teen to start dating mainly depends on his/her maturity, which can be easily assessed by proper communication.

It may not be the right time to permit your teen to venture out on a date if you feel too confident or comfortable about such an idea. There are some important things that parents need to consider to better help them handle their teens entering the dating scene. For one, if your kid asks you if s/he can go out or on a date, ask him or her what their plans are for the evening. Whether it is a group date or not, you have every right to know.

Your teen may not like the idea but you can always do so in a friendly approach. Inquire about the name and age of the person your teen will go on a date with; where and how they met for the first time; where they are going and the nature of the place, whether it is public or intimate and their plans for the evening. Welcome your daughter’s date into your home so you can get to know him better. Also, be clear when setting rules, standards of behavior and curfews. Show your kid you mean business.

It is also important to discuss in detail matters on sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unwanted pregnancy before your kid enters the dating scene. It may be smart not to allow them yet if they are not properly informed about issues such as these. Assure your son or daughter that ‘doing it’ with a date is never necessary and that it is perfectly okay to say no. Make them understand that dating does not always have to involve any form of intimacy such as kissing, hugging or anything that they might not be comfortable with. Don’t do all the talking – let your kid share what s/he has in mind as well. This will allow both parties to understand each other on these issues.

When it comes to teen dating, parents should always keep a free, honest and open communication with their kids so that they can be properly guided anytime they need your help. Keep in mind that parents have a greater influence on their kid’s decision making with regard to dating, sex and relationships. In fact, parental regulation and supervision is deemed to be even more crucial at this stage in their teen’s life, although too much or too strict parental monitoring may be off-putting.

While your kid entering the dating scene may be out of your control, you can definitely make your views heard and known.