teen by Hood Staff and Local Moms
Parent Tips
Teens & Dating Since we’re busy talking about love and hearts this February at Hood, we wanted to explore the world of teen dating. We fondly, or maybe not so fondly, remember those days of being in love, holding hands, and going to a movie in our high school days. With the addition of technology and other changes over the past 15 years, teen dating looks a lot different today. We asked a few local moms of teens, Kathy Horstman, Dawn Van Nieuwenhuyzen, and Amy O’Connor Hoback, for their best advice when it comes to dating. While they all agreed that it is an ever-changing situation, keeping an open line of communication with your teen is the best way to help it go smoothly. Below are a few of their best suggestions.
TOP TIPS FOR TEEN DATING: • Encourage them to explore the relationship as a friendship first. • When asking out a friend, discuss how that relationship may change the group dynamics. • Rules and boundaries are good, but they may not always be black and white, as every teen and relationship are different. • Involve your teen’s date in your family’s life by inviting them to dinners and family outings. • Keep an eye on their messages and social channels. • Remind them that they never know who they are actually messaging on the other end of the phone – in texts to their friends but especially to people they met online.
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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com
• S et their location settings to private on social channels. • Meet their parents. Having an open dialog between both sets of parents can ensure both your teen and theirs is safe. • Advise them to continue spending time in their current friendships to keep a healthy balance. • Keep communication open. Talk to your kids about your dating experience, the good and the bad.
Now that you are prepared with a few tips, here are some questions to get the discussion started with your teen. •W hat does “going out” or “dating” mean to you? • What interests you about this person that makes you want to date them? What do your friends think? • What rules can we agree upon regarding dating (where to go, curfew, transportation, how often they spend time with the family, etc.)? •H ow can you or I ensure you are safe in the relationship. (Parent note: if you need help in this area, The Compass Center or Call to Freedom are local resources that can provide guidance.) l
