Switch on the television, and you just might see a teenage boy locking lips with a girl he just met. Before you say, “My children would never do that,” think again! Have they said enough for you to know about their first dating experience, latest crush, or most romantic story?
If your mind just drew a blank to these questions, don’t panic. It’s never too late to discover what your teens have really been up to. And when you’ve taken the time to discuss it, you’re one step closer to helping them solve their dilemmas—dating-related or otherwise.
Having trouble getting started? Scroll through the gallery below for tips on helping your teens date wisely.
For more advice on dealing with your teens, check these out on FN:
- Curfews, Boyfriends, and More: 6 Ways to Deal with Common Teen Issues
- Young Love: 8 Tips for Dealing with Your Teen's First Relationship
- How to Teach Your Teen about Smart Sex
- Deciphering Tween and Teen Speak: 4 Common Statements and What They Mean
(First published as “The (Teen) Dating Game” in Good Housekeeping Magazine in March 2010; adapted for use in Female Network; all photos from Modern Family courtesy of ABC. The names in this article have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals mentioned.)