• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Did your teenage son recently start dating? Some things to consider

January 18, 2012 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

Many fathers are simultaneously proud and petrified about the prospect of their son dating. For one, beginning a romantic relationship is an exciting and unpredictable experience that marks an adolescent's march into adulthood. However, teenage romance also brings with it a world of complications and anxieties that affect parents and children alike – heartbreak, depression, stress and potentially (gulp) pregnancy.

However you feel about your son starting to date, sooner or later a budding relationship will be staring you in the face. In many ways, the world of teenage attraction is radically different than when you may have been in high school. The structured evening of dinner, a movie and home by 10 p.m. has given way to a more casual sphere of group activities and afterschool hangouts.

As a result, it can be difficult for you to realize your son has even begun seeing someone until well into the relationship. Teenage boys are private by nature and many will feel awkward about telling their parents about a new girlfriend. If you want to get the truth from your son, you may have to find out for yourself by frequently asking about his social circles.

While you don't want to intrude too much into his personal relationships, staying informed of his friends, girlfriends and activities are part of being a responsible parent. You should also have a discussion with your son about respectful behavior and safe practices (yes, the sex talk) before you sign off on any new girlfriend. Remind him that his actions can have serious, life-altering consequences if he doesn't act appropriately.

Luckily, the recent wave of group dating provides a check for many young relationships. In the presence of their friends, teenagers are more aware of their behavior and can regulate each other should things get out of hand. Despite this, make sure you know who your child is with and where they're going whenever they're on their way out the door.

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
SIGN-UP TODAY to receive the only baby newsletter written by dads, for dads. Act now and receive a free copy of the popular GreatDad E-Book!
My baby's due date or birthday :
Profile picture
Privacy Policy and Terms
Baby Name Finder!

what's in a name

  • Show names for:
  • Boys
  • Girls
  • Either
Finding a name you can both agree on isn't always easy. Use our simple name generator to get started.
First Letter
Last Letter
Number of Letters
Origin
Find a name!

More to See

family under a cardboard

Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have

October 22, 2022 By Contributing Authors

A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games

May 5, 2022 By Contributing Authors

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Footer

Hi mom!

Would you like to share this site with your husband or a friend?

Just enter his email address and your name below and we'll let him know all about GreatDad.com.

His email address
Your Name

Recent

  • Special Clarity session – $25
  • Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have
  • A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games
  • 5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Surgical Procedure
  • How to get kids excited about dental hygiene

Search

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Copyright © 2023 . GreatDad