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Tween Dating?

My daughter really likes this boy. She's 11, as is the boy. I heard a few days ago from the boy's mom that the 2 are a 'couple'. What do I do?

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Anonymous
January 1, 20161 found this helpful
Best Answer

Well, hopefully you and your daughter talk to each other about everyday, mundane things as well as all the "necessary" stuff- such as, "Don't forget to start on that school project soon", etc. .At 11 years old, she may still seek your input and approval. I hope that this is the case.
Something similar happened with my son at that age, but a few easy conversations with him helped to end my worries , AND helped him think about-and sort out for himself-what " dating" meant for him and his schoolmates.
This is more or less how the convo went:
Me: So, how are things going with Sylvia?
Him: Oh, pretty good. She's nice. And she likes me a lot.

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Me: Well, yeah, if she is your girlfriend, she must like you the best. And you like her more than all the other girls in class?
Him: Yeah. (Hesitates) But, she gets upset when I spend time talking to Joey during lunch.
Me: Why's that?
Him: She wants me to spend time with her instead.
Me: ha-ha. That doesn't change much as you get older, I'm afraid.
At that point I had the opportunity to ask him , what, exactly could they do, that would be boyfriend-girlfriend kinds of stuff. And I began with, well there can't be any kissing or hugging really, because that is not allowed in school.Plus, her parents definitely would not like it and he might have to answer to angry parents . And there's a little time to talk during lunch and after school, but not very much time- especially if he wanted to also talk with his friends, which he did. And when older people date, they sometimes go out to dinner or to a movie or bowling , but that requires money and permission, rides,etc. You could talk on the phone, probably. (This was before everybody had cellphones). And my son thought about all this. Basically, his "relationship" was just letting everyone know that they liked each other best.
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Probably a week or so later, my son told me that they had broken up.
Talk to your daughter, try not to criticize or belittle, discuss what it means, and let her figure it out. If it sounds like the boy is being improper with her, discuss that with her too. How she feels , and that she ALWAYS knows that Nobody should ever make her feel she " ought to" if she does not want to. Emphasize that rule ALWAYS applies, and if she needs help getting out of an uncomfortable spot(or relationship) she should let you know, and you will help her immediately.
Sorry for the length, but it's an important topic.

 
August 31, 20150 found this helpful

Your daughter is not old enough to date or really do anything "couples" do. So they are really only a couple if certain adults think it's cute to call them that.

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As for the boy, this will probably go nowhere. It's rare that somebody meets their soulmate at the age of 11. You can probably consider it harmless.

The computer and phone are exceptions. Make sure you have access to your child's phone texts and her online activities. Note that she should not have any accounts on any social media sites. She's too young. Not only are children exposed to bullying and pornography online, they are also exposed to predators. Have her do her homework in a family room if she uses a computer.

Most kids are watched like hawks nowadays and are rarely out of sight of a protective adult. However, online is where they can get themselves into trouble.

 
August 31, 20150 found this helpful

Have you considered talking to her? Do you know what her feelings are, what her thoughts are about things couples do? You probably don't want to consider it, but many young people are becoming sexually active.

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Please give some careful thought to the words you choose and don't ignore this?

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 523 Posts
September 2, 20150 found this helpful

I sorta doubt when the boy's mother used the term 'couple', she meant it in the sense of a relationship. I think you can laugh off this little 'encounter'. But, do so while taking all of Abigail's advice. She has brought to light some important information all parents need to consider.

 

Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 409 Answers
September 4, 20170 found this helpful

I wouldn't get too upset unless you see they're doing something inappropriate for their age. Talk to your daughter without accusing her and see what exactly being a "couple" means to her.

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It might be very innocent or it might be something you need to discuss with the boy's mom. Best wishes, it's hard raising kids.

 

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