OH ORLY: Week of June 18

When do you think kids should start dating? My husband and I both come from strict families and I couldn’t date until I was 18. I know times have changed. What do you think?

Joanie E.

Dear Joanie,

Regardless of your background, when it comes to your own kids you just want to protect them from growing up. We just don’t want them to grow, right? Then there comes a time when a child wants to go on a date.

I think that when they are about 12, they start questioning their identity and that is why the teenage years are so complex. The teenager is dealing with a tornado of emotions and trying to identify herself/himself in that tornado.

So, to answer your question, I believe you need to have open and honest conversations with your kids about dating. Ask questions like, “What is dating to you?” or “Why do you think you are ready to date?”

Joanie, find out what is the mindset of your child and see how comfortable you are with the answers. Some kids are very mature on the subject matter and some are very shy. The only way to find out is to have the conversation. Let me know what you’ve decided and how it all evolved.

All for the best,

Orly