Question for Parents of 13 and 14 Year Olds

Unfortunately, if you don't "allow" them, they are going to do it anyway, just without your knowledge and supervision. I do allow them, and make sure I am usually there, unless there is a large group of kids going together somewhere. Good luck, it's a fun time, but will be surely given lots of differing opinions. I have found that when I allowed my children to do what they wanted within limits, they are much more open with me, which makes a world of difference! Just my two cents; as I said, you will get lots of VARIED opinions, depending on philosophy.

Nope.

My daughter is 14 years old. There are way too many YOUNG adolescents out there that are sexually active and promiscuous.

My daughter does NOT sneak around, because she knows and believes that I find out EVERYTHING therefore, she doesn't lie to me. She even tells her friends that she can't lie to me, because "my mom is like a super spy or something because she always finds out if I lied...". She also confides in me and talks to me about everything.

I told her that next year, if she shows to be responsible with her grades, chores, and her attitude, then I might let her go on "group dates" as long as I meet everyone and approve. She was happy with that.

This is a decision that only you and your child can make. Best of luck to you!!!

T.,
Hi there! I have a 14 y/o daughter who I allow to go out on group dates. I have four kids total(his & mine). I believe that the decision of dating has to be an individual basis. My oldest, the 14 y/o, has a maturity level high enough for her father and I to have considered letting her date. She goes mostly to the movies with her boyfriend and her girlfriends from school. She knows what things we expect her to do and not to do. She has shown a great amount of responsibility in this area. I know this because I, more often than she knows, check up on her. We know her boyfriend and his family, that is the first requirement. I don't know if any of our other kids will be mature enough at 14 but she is. Like I said, I think that has to be decided on an individual basis. Hope that it helps.
R.

Mine did a few times. Generally at that age, it was more of a group thing without the "date" title.

I'm a teacher of 13 and 14 year olds (8th grade), and I can't believe what some of the parents let them do. These kids go in groups to the movies, malls, homes whatever unsupervised. Parents think that it's okay because they're in groups, but that's where they do a lot of "group" things. I hear them talking all the time about stuff, and I feel so bad for them because I know they're going to regret their decisions in the future. Kids these days are being allowed to do all kinds of stuff.

I think that 'supervised' date wouldn't be horrible, but what's the need at that age? I've always learned that you date to find a mate. Yes, I had boyfriends at that age, but I also was never told at that age what the purpose of dating is. This is all, of course, just my opinion, so I hope I'm not stepping on toes here. I just feel like there's no need in dating at that age.