Teen Checkup | Internet Safety

Teen Dating Resolutions - For Parents!

After the champagne, the noises and laughter fade away, we get to begin another year. Not only is this a fresh start, but it’s also a continuation of our lives and everything we’ve been focused on in the last year. Of course, this includes the lives of the teens we know as well.

A year older, a year wiser? One can hope, and in our case I certainly hope that will prove to be true. But with kids and teens it’s different. Teens are growing and changing and to busy experiencing any number of “firsts” to have a chance to be “wise” about anything. Teens are supposed to be experiencing. That’s what they do! However, much of what teens are going through is enough to drive any mom or dad crazy, so parents worry. That’s what they do.

Do you have a teen that’s about to start dating? It’s going to be alright!  Take a deep breath! The first step toward this next challenge in your parenting adventure is to realize that you’re not alone:

So now I find myself in the unenviable position of having a daughter ready — and willing — to dive into the dating pool.

Oh, but it’s not the emotionally stable 16-year-old but rather the irrationally charged and unstable 13-year-old who recently exclaimed, “I have a boyfriend.”

Since when did eighth graders start dating?

And already she is asking about when is it appropriate to have your first kiss? My answer: On her wedding day when the minister says, “You may now kiss the bride!”

My daughter has heard (and understands — hopefully) my dating rules and the consequences for herself and any would-be beau who breaks them. And like any teen, her biggest fear is me embarrassing her in front of him. (Like that is likely to happen. Well, maybe.)

So with 2008 coming to a close, I’ve made the mature decision to make a few New Year’s resolutions on the topic.

Find out what this Disillusioned Dad has resolved to do about his dating daughters in 2009!