Parents often feel pretty antsy when their teens want to date. It’s fun and exciting for the teen, but there are plenty of reasons for parents to worry. But don’t feel hopeless in this situation. Take the initiative to let your child know you’re there for them. Below are a few tips that can help keep your teen safe while respecting their individuality. WHEN YOUR TEEN WANTS TO START DATING
COMMUNICATION
to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teens should be allowed to have one-on-one dates sometime after the age of 16. Dr. Ron Eager, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center, points out that there is an enormous difference between a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old in terms of life experience andmaturity levels.
Open communication between you and your teen can help immensely. When your teen expresses an interest in dating, sit down and talk with them about it in a comfortable environment. It may be a little awkward, but letting your child know they can talk to you about dating will help them feel more at ease. Let your teen know they can always come to you, even if they have something unpleasant or uncomfortable to share.
APPROPRIATE DATE SPOTS
If your teen seems unsure of where to go on a date, suggest some places you feel comfortable with. This is a good way to encourage safe and age- appropriate activities that both individuals can enjoy. Some possibilities include the zoo, a movie, dinner, bowling, ice skating, go-karting, or an amusement park. These kinds of activities encourage a comfortable, fun environment that may help ease nerves for both you and your teen. Creating a comfortable parent-child relationship that encourages a teen to turn to you for help and guidance is the first step toward keeping them as safe as you can.
RULES ON DATING
When your teen starts to date, there’s nothing wrong with setting up a few rules. Putting an age restriction and a curfew in place is a good start. Come up with a time that both you and your teen can agree on. Deciding when your teen should date is a bit more complicated. If you believe your teen shows signs of maturity and you’re comfortable letting themdate, now is a good time to start a conversation about it. According
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trust. You can alternate drivers weekly, which provides the opportunity for you to focus your attention on other priorities—or if you’re lucky, have some freedom. THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB Technology makes organization easier andmore accessible than ever. By using a tool like a shared calendar, you can coordinate the entire family’s schedule so you never miss a beat. And apps like Mealime and MealBoard give you the ability to whip up food that is cost-effective and delicious.
School has started. Youth sports are in full swing. Work is crazy. Food has become more about necessity than enjoyment. All of this can only mean one thing: Fall has begun. The crazy schedules this time of year canmake it tough for parents to keep their heads on straight; making it through the insanity sometimes feels more like survival than life. But there are tactics you can employ to turn the tide and findmore time for yourself. TAG TEAM There’s no reason to try to do everything on your own. The phrase“It takes a village to raise a child”exists because managing the stressors of life requires help. A great place to start is by establishing car pools with a parent group you
horror movie. Laundry is piling up, food is spoiling in the fridge, and the dust bunnies around the house now have names. Housecleaning is a part-time job in its own right. The only way to stay on top of duties around the house is to work together. A chore chart with clear responsibilities is a great place to start. Whether you have one child or eight, everyone is capable of pitching in. You can have all the organizational abilities in the world, but the best way tomanage life’s madness isn’t by directing day-to-day tasks; it’s by managing stress. Instead of using these tools to control life, look at them as a way to free up time so you can decompress and enjoy the things you love.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK
While you’re busy trying to rally the troops at soccer practice, the scene at home resembles a
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