[Spiff]

My oldest just turned 16. The standard in our home is no dating before 16, no exclusive dating until 18, group dates or chaperoned dates are the rule as is not dating the same boy twice in a row. Each boy must meet Mom and/or Dad face to face. It is also preferred that we know the boy's parents well. Any boy that can't follow the standard or has a problem with it isn't the kind of boy that should be dating my daughter.

She resists some of these rules a bit, but not much. She's a typical teenager, testing the limits and if Mom & Dad really mean what they say. Her first dating experience was a bad one - she broke the rules, the date was unauthorized and she did not have a double or chaperone. My wife was inspired to be at the right place at the right time to save her from a bad situation. My teen learned from that and has been more eager to comply.

[HungarianGypsy]

Sounds a bit like encoouraging courtship. Which is something we're doing.

How do your children deal with other teens bugging them about not having an interest in dating. My son has tried to explain to his so-called best friend many times that he has other things to focus on and he doesn't get it. He has had other kids imply he's gay, because he;s not a girl crazy twit.

As a youth I was very boy crazy, so am very proud of my children for being able to focus better than I did.