Too Young to Date?

There are many developmental, emotional, and social reasons why an 11-year-old should not be dating.
Q
I have an 11-year-old son in the fifth grade (middle school). Girls have been interested in him since first grade; he is handsome, athletic, and an all-around nice kid. His father, my ex-husband, thinks that it is okay for him to start dating. I am outraged! I think this is part of the reason kids grow up so fast today. They are still babies at 11. There is a girl that is very interested in him who is quite provocative for her age. She talks about going on dates with him and kissing him. I don't know what to do.

Am I being overprotective?

A
No, you are not being overprotective. An 11-year-old should not be dating for many developmental, emotional, and social reasons.

Is your son interested in dating? If he is, this is most unusual for a child his age, and it might be to please his dad. Another thought: Would you let your son go with any child, male or female, without an adult present? If you are the custodial parent you set the rules for dating and everything else. I know you want your son's father to be part of this so here are the facts: Most preteens (and even a good number of high-school students) don't date. They are most comfortable in group activities. Most of them are working hard at figuring out just how to talk to the other gender!

Many middle-school children say they are "going with" someone when they like each other and have had a friend act as a go-between and tell the other. This "going together" normally changes from day to day as they break up and "go with" another person.

As for the aggressive girl, again, you set the rules. No family needs to tolerate a child's calls, notes, or visits that disrupt family time or go against family rules. If she continues, a firm call to her parents stating your position might help.

Connie Collins, professional school counselor, worked for 35 years in public education as a teacher and counselor at the middle school and secondary levels. Collins worked daily with the parents of the students in her various schools, and has facilitated several parenting groups.

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