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Dating For Youngsters
If you have a young boy or girl who is getting ready for that first big date of their teenage life, you can probably remember how nervous you got that first time. And for many parents, we get as nervous as the kids get about that first stab at taking a girl out on a date for real. So if you can help him out with some ideas on what to do and how to conduct the date, it will make things go a lot smoother for him.
If you have a young boy or girl who is getting ready for that first big date of their teenage life, you can probably remember how nervous you got that first time. And for many parents, we get as nervous as the kids get about that first stab at taking a girl out on a date for real. So if you can help him out with some ideas on what to do and how to conduct the date, it will make things go a lot smoother for him.
I am sure that your son would love to do the whole date alone, and you should give him the impression he is, but at some point he is going to need to ask for help. Unless he has bags of money for a taxi or wants to ‘impress’ his date by taking the bus, then he is going to have to come to you for a lift, take the pressure out of it by asking him first if he wants a lift rather than him having to ask you.
You don’t want your young guy to go on the first date and either be too pushy or expect too much. Kids need to learn that things take time and the best piece of advice you can give him is that he should just have fun and show his date his true self. Let him know that if he can just make a good impression now then the next dates will be a lot more relaxed and he can work for that first kiss then.
To get past the first date nerves then you could suggest to him that he organises a group date. This means that both he and his date will feel more comfortable and will be able to get to know each other without all the pressure. Having said that though it is important you let them know that they should be staying with their date while out. Not slipping off with their friends to have fun and then wiping out the whole concept of a ‘date’.
He may be wary of a group date because he thinks that other children will try to steal his date away from him. First of all reassure him that if she is interested in him and he is paying attention to her during the date then he should not need to worry about that. Then tell him that one trick to get people to stay away is to give her something that she will wear which will show people that she is interested in him. Try a flower for her hair, a bracelet etc, just something simple and inexpensive, she will be pleased to receive a present and if she wears it then everyone will know she is his date.
There are other nice outings that two kids can enjoy together and begin to explore the world of dating. Bowling is always good because it’s a game and once they get there and start playing, the nervousness will disappear. Movies are always good too as long as the feature is age appropriate because parents can drop the kids off at the theater and know when to pick them up.
It may be better for the young novice daters to learn the ups and downs of being together before they take on going out to dinner and the more advanced subjects of the sport of dating. If they go somewhere that there is food like a food court at the theater or mall, he can be a big man and buy her dinner without having to deal with restaurant etiquette.
When the date is over tell him to walk her home, if he gets a lift with you then make sure you park a street away so he can romance her and walk her to her door. No doubt he has seen lots of films where they kiss at the door, you must let him know that not all dates end like this and he should not force things or expect that kiss. Sometimes the lady will kiss him on the cheek or give him a hug, remind him that her parents will no doubt be watching from inside and to make a good impression he should be a gentleman and accept only what she gives.
If the young couple feels like they got to go out together, that it was an event where they were definitely “a couple” and if each got to do some datelike thing on that outing, that is plenty of romance for the first time out.