Comments on: How to Encourage Responsible Teen Dating

on 7/3/2007 A Mom who needs help - my son, age 16 and his girlfriend, age 16 got themselves in trouble and she ended up with an abortion. I didn't even know this girl existed. Now my eyes and ears are open completely and I have established some dating house rules that he is fighting me on completely. Please share your thoughts. Rule 1 She must provide her on transportation to and from my house majority of the time. Rule 2 She can only visit up to 10:30 p.m. on non school nights. Rule 3 she must stay down stairs in the rec room with the door open, Rule 4 Both of them must be sitting up at all times. No one is allowed to lie down. I need you help because we are struggling terribly.

on 8/8/2006 Try going with your child to meet his girlfriend so that you can communicate with them. This will make better relationships with your child's girlfriend.

on 11/22/2005 Be very careful how many boundaries you set! Some parents assume that more guidelines are easier to follow. Make sure your teen knows the consequences of their actions, but let them be free to make that a choice.

DO insist they let you meet their date! It is a very good way to know just who they are spending their evening with, and a good way to build a friendly relationship. This will avoid problems in the future.

on 12/22/2005 By the time a child becomes a teen, if you haven't already done all the talking and limits, it's too late at that point to go further. The best thing is to gradually give up being a controlling parent, and learning to be a friend instead.

on 11/22/2005 I agree that you should set boundries, but don't make them extremely unreasonable. listen to what your teen wants to do. If they want to date, set limits that you BOTH agree are reasonable. For instance, they can go on a date to a public place, but not over to the boyfriend/girlfriend's house unless there are other people there. If the teen agrees on the boundries, it is far less likely that they will rebel and go do something with their date that they will regret later. Also, the teen will respect you for actually listening to them and compromising with them. This shows you care about their feelings.

on 11/22/2005 When you take so-called control of teen dating, you usually lose. I do feel that rules & boundaries are important when your teens date. Communicate and come to an agreement of what's expected. Also, try to get to know the new person they're involved with.

on 11/22/2005 I agree with the this other tip that teens will see their g/f or b/f no matter what and so if parents say it's OK then teens will rebel less, than if it wasn't OK.

on 11/22/2005 Teens are gonna find ways to see their boyfriend/girlfriend no matter what, so try and make it easier by allowing your child to date as long as they follow certain rules.