The setting of boundaries gets tougher to enforce for parents as children get older. When children are teenagers, they want to experience all of what life has to offer and they want to do it right away. This can cause problems when teenagers begin to date because parents want to set rules to protect their youngsters. Teenagers are not grown up and they need guidance to go through the exhilarating and exasperating process that is dating.
Friends
Your teenager wants to date. He may have found the girl of his dreams in ninth grade and he wants to spend his time with her. That's a natural reaction. But you are his parent. Have him bring her over and get to know her, according to HealthyPlace.com. All teenagers feel that a few questions is akin to the inquisition, but you have a right to know who she is, where she lives and what she's interested in. In other words, you can get to know her.
Rules
Set the rules before your teen starts dating. For example, let her know that curfew is 11 p.m. on a Saturday night and not midnight or 1 a.m. You have the right to know that she is coming home on time. You can also set rules for what activities are OK on a date. Movies with other friends and parties where parents are present would be a good place to start. Making demands and setting harsh limits may be self-defeating because they will be difficult to enforce, but setting the rules will tell your teenager that you care.
Alcohol and Drugs
Make sure that your teenager knows that he can't drink alcohol or do drugs and that he can't hang out with anybody that says they have access to those substances. You want your teenager to show you that they have good judgment and that they are smart enough to call you if they get in a touchy situation. Any time your teen sees illegal substances or contraband material, the first move should be ingrained in his brain: Call you immediately.
Sexuality
This is sure to be a topic that is on your teen's mind, but it may be an area that she will not want to discuss with her parents. That does not have to be the case. Don't freak out when you want to bring up the subject. It's clearly a natural part of life, and if you can treat it that way, chances are that you may be able to build a dialogue with your teenager. Make sure they know the facts about pregnancy and diseases and the responsibility that goes with sexual activity. Encourage them to take things slowly. It's not a race or a contest.
