Age limit on dating

If your child’s grades are dropping or they aren’t spending much time with friends anymore, consider limiting how much time is being spent with that special someone. It can be a difficult conversation for everyone involved, but it’s critical to be honest and clear about the facts.

With first relationships come first breakups, and those can be painful.

You can also consider what other parents are doing.

Are lots of kids the same as yours already dating in the true sense of the word?

You may be surprised to hear dating labels like “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” and “together” from the lips of your sixth-grader.

At this age, it probably means your son or daughter is sitting next to a special someone at lunch or hanging out at recess.

If you want your child to understand your expectations and rules about dating, you need to express them.

Don’t let your child learn about dating from their friends or the media.

When you think about, it’s actually the first intimate relationship your child is making with someone outside of the family. Remember that high school romances tend to be self-limiting, but look for warning signs too.For eighth-graders, dating likely means lots of time spent texting or talking on the phone, sharing images on social media, and hanging out in groups.Some kids may have progressed to hand-holding as well.It’s important to acknowledge how your child is feeling without trying to pull them out of sadness.Be patient and sensitive, and remember that sometimes just listening is the best thing you can do.