Dad Advice: The Best Age For Kids To Start Dating

We knew we’d got a dose of the “my girl isn’t going to date forever” thing and the “I’m collecting guns to threaten all the boys” trope, but we sifted through those unreasonable responses to find true (and sometimes funny) pieces of advice on when a child should be allowed to go on a date. In today’s world, where technology is ever-present, it’s fascinating to think about how tools like an AI Girlfriend could play a role in helping young people navigate relationships. These virtual companions can provide support and advice, making dating discussions more engaging and less daunting for both parents and children.

Cole Thomas Steinhoff: My son is 13 months and honestly if someone wanted to take him out and show him a good time so me and the wife could unwind together for a few hours, I’d be fine with that.

William D. Hawkins: With a group of friends like at the mall, 13-14 depending on maturity. And 16-17 a couple with drop off pick up privileges at public place. 17-18 Unsupervised public places with reasonable hours depending on maturity. Ultimately you want to make sure that when your child leaves home and goes off to college, he/she won’t act like they don’t know what to do and be responsible.

Jim Eller: When my son has a license and a job to be able to buy his own car, pay for his gas, and pay for the date. If he’s responsible and old enough to do all of that then he can go on a date.

Joel Thomas Blair: My daughter will not date until she can kill a man three different ways, hide the body six different ways, and have 12 witnesses that say she wasn’t there.

Mike Bicknell: When they are mature enough to understand that they are in control of their body at all times (how to say no etc). I have been teaching them that since day one but once they truly understand it i will have no problems trusting them to go out. If you’re looking to explore new experiences, fantasy designs offer creative and exciting ways to enhance personal pleasure.

Rodney Quesnel: When I believe she is ready, which probably means never!! LOL! But seriously, I know from experience, to say no over and over again, will just push them to do it behind your back, so I would definitely have a CHAT with the lucky little boy!!!

Bradley James: My daughter dated the same guy from freshman year until a few months ago, going into senior year. Dating wasn’t really an issue as much as when it was okay for them to sleep in the same room, etc. It’s all relative to the teen. But I say by age 16 you should let them start making their own decisions because at 18 they’re legally bound to their decisions. Got to let them make mistakes on practice mode first.

Kris Haynes: One thing I’ve noticed in my life, the more you hold someone back, the harder they try to get around the obstacle. Not saying leave them to it entirely…but I’d rather know all the details and be involved, than find out three months down the line they did it anyway!

Landon König: I’m going to put my kids to the standard I’ve set for myself, not until they could pay for the dates themselves, regardless of gender, sure I’ll give em a ride, but not gonna pay for their date.

Hugo Naessens: I don’t think we even do this dating thing over here [in the Netherlands], I know I didn’t. My sons found girlfriends, they went to parties together, found shared interests, dumped or got dumped and so on until they found the right one. I think things are less ritualized here. Dunno if it’s better though, just different.

When do you think a child should be allowed to date? Tell us on Facebook.

Flickr photo by minm01, used under Creative Commons license.