Parents: Discuss teen dating respectfully

If you are the mother of a high-school student, you probably know that prom season is just around the corner. Talk of dresses, tuxedos and corsages might dominate your family conversation in the coming months, but now is also a good time to talk to your teen about dating and relationships.

According to Dr. Marilyn Maxwell, a professor of internal medicine at St. Louis University, you should talk to your children about dating and relationships long before the first date.

“To really get through to kids, parents need to provide consistent and regular messages about their expectations, wishes and goals for the child,” she said.

So, don’t wait until the last minute to give your teen dating advice. You can start the conversation today by considering the following tips.

•First, set ground rules and stick to them. Teens need guidelines to follow, so establish your family rules, and enforce them. When you are establishing these rules, consider your teen’s maturity level. Many families set a certain age for dating, but not all children mature at the same pace.

•If you aren’t comfortable with the thought of your teen dating, recommend group activities. Group dates are ideal for younger teens, and you can even suggest inviting your teen’s boyfriend or girlfriend to participate in family activities.

•When your teen does go on solo dates, remain involved in your child’s plans.

•Know where she is going, and set a curfew for when she must be home. Also, provide supervision when possible so that your teen is not left alone for hours unattended.

•Finally, set a good example.

“When parents treat each other with respect, it’s not only good for the parents’ relationship, but it also shows children how to behave and what to expect from a relationship in return,” Maxwell said.