We’re talking about the hot topic of Teen Dating this week. My guest is Tricia Gardner from Timesaver VA and she asked a few important questions about her 15-year-old daughter and the issue of dating.

The number one mistake parents make is not meeting the boyfriend or girlfriend of their child. Very often it’s because the child fights the issue and is afraid their parents won’t like the boyfriend or they will get embarassed in front of a girlfriend.

Just because your child is now a teenager does not mean you should just willingly hand them over to a stranger, which is exactly what happens when parents do not meet the boyfriend. You need to trust that your child can make safe decisions but at the same time parents should know who their child is spending time with. A simple 10-minute visit can allow you to meet the boy or girlfriend and you can work up to longer visits as time goes on.

Another mistake parents often make is ignoring their child if he/she asks advice about birth control. If your child comes to you with this question, then congratulate yourself on having an open and safe relationship with your child! Even if you have to take a moment to gather your thoughts, ignoring the topic will not make the issue go away.

Many groups have varying thoughts on whether or not parents should allow their children to use birth control. Many oppose the idea based on religious beliefs and others oppose the idea because they believe it’s giving their child permission to have sex.

Studies have shown that if a teen wants to have sex, he or she will do so, with or without birth control. Putting your child on birth control will not give them permission to have sex but will keep them safe if they make that choice.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this hot topic! Leave a comment below or call our Listeners’ Line at (214) 615-6505 ext. 4245

 

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