How old were you when you went on your first date?!
Me, aged 13
When I was growing up, the rule was that we couldn’t go on a date until we reached the age of 16.
But as we all know, what parents decree and what actually happens often turn out to be two different things.
I had a few boyfriends from about the age of 12 – not that my parents knew about it! We didn’t go out on dates; we saw each other at school (and if you were really lucky, we actually talked to each other, LOL) or occasionally met up at skating or the school fete, along with a group of friends.
My First Date
My first official date was when I was 15 1/2 – we went to the museum on the school holidays. Riveting stuff I know!
How quickly the years passed, and suddenly I was the parent confronting the reality of my kids reaching dating age …
When Do Kids Reach Dating Age?
Mr 21 had only just started high school, when he announced that he had asked his girlfriend to go to the movies. Um, excuse me?!! What girlfriend?!
As he was only 12 at the time, this was definitely not something we were prepared for!
Our kids are about 12 and 10 in this pic
After much discussion – including a phone call to check with the girl’s parents – we agreed to take the kids to the movies.
Being a typical male, Mr 21 didn’t say much afterwards. I couldn’t help wondering how HE thought his first date went?
Eventually we learned that for some reason – not surprising when you consider TV, movies etc – our son thought that now he was in high school, he was “supposed” to start dating. Thankfully, the actual experience made him realise that he really was NOT ready just yet. (Which is exactly what we were hoping would happen!)
I would never have imagined that I would allow my 12 year old (son OR daughter) to go on a date. But kids have a habit of being their own people, not necessarily following our plans and expectations, and as parents we have to be prepared to deal with things as they arise.
He was 17 before he decided it was time for another girlfriend!
Mr 17 took his girlfriend to Movieworld
As for Miss 19, I think she pretty much followed in her mother’s footsteps 😉 . I knew she had boyfriends from early on, although she was 15 before she asked – and was allowed – to go out on dates.
Miss 19’s senior formal
Is it just me, or do kids seem to become conscious of the opposite sex from a much younger age these days? Heaven only knows how old my grandchildren will be when they go on their first date! I just hope they are out of nappies 😉 .
What did you do on your first date? And is there a certain age in your family when children are allowed to start dating?!
Nicole @ The Builder's Wife says
I don’t think I have ever been on a proper date. The builder keeps saying we should do something about it, but the logistics of that with 5 kids is near impossible. For now I am content with our weekly dates on the deck, with a glass (bottle) of wine, nibbles and great conversation. xx
Janet Camilleri says
Really? Well I’m glad you’re making up for lost time now with your weekly deck dates!
Deb @ inner compass designs says
My girls are 11 and 12 1/2. The younger still cringes if she sees anyone kiss and wants nothing to do with this mess of growing up. The almost 13 year old is in high school and has had crushes since maybe grade 5. I am hoping she has a good couple of years in high school before this becomes a real issue. I had my first date at 13 1/2 when I asked a boy out on the phone (almost died!).
Janet Camilleri says
Yes fingers crossed you have a couple of years to go before you have to worry about this, but as my experience shows, it’s best to be prepared early just in case!
Jo @ You had us at hello says
I’m not sure really – depends on the kid. Both me and my husband were late bloomers but when my 5 year old comes home from school announcing his latest girlfriends name we are a little shocked!! Surely not!! haha! Gorgeous pics Janet xx
Janet Camilleri says
You’re right – it does depend on the kid. I love the innocence of the little ones with their “girl/boyfriends”, and how they can meet somebody in the playground and have a new best friend just like that!
Jodi Gibson says
We dont have any hard and fast rules. Kind of just ride the waves as they break!
Janet Camilleri says
Yeah that’s pretty much how we played it too, LOL.
EssentiallyJess says
We’ve had lots of discussion about this with the almost teen, because she has been asked out several times. Thankfully she’s happy to wait. I would prefer they all wait until after school to date, but we’ll see!
Janet Camilleri says
I know, that was my preference too but sadly my kids never got the memo!!!
Natalie @ our parallel connection says
We go through stages on dating and it’s usually just dinner. We are pretty boring really.
Janet Camilleri says
Dinner is always nice when somebody else cooks it 🙂
Kathy Marris says
I think I was at least 16 before I was allowed to go on a date and that was under the supervision of my elder brothers. Both of my kids had girlfriends/boyfriends from about the same age. They normally only went to school functions and parties on dates. It wasn’t really until they had their car licenses that they started serious dating.
Janet Camilleri says
Your parents were lucky you had older brothers to supervise you! LOL
Tegan says
I was 15 too I think. Mr 6 informs me that he has a girlfriend at school. No talk of dates yet thankfully lol!
Janet Camilleri says
Naww how sweet 😉
Renee Wilson says
Eeek. I really don’t want to start worrying about this yet lol. I had very strict parents, plus I was a shy wee thing, so I didn’t go on my first date until I was 19. I can’t even remember where we went to. It mustn’t haven been too eventful 😉
Janet Camilleri says
That seems quite common Renee. Just off the top of my head I think my sister-in-law and my niece were both 19 too 🙂
Pinky Poinker says
I think it varies. My middle son had a girlfriend in preschool. They’re both 23 now and living together! My daughter did have a boyfriend at 15 but as far as I know it was platonic and the dates occurred at our house. One of mine didn’t have a date until he was 24. Maybe I just didn’t know about the others. My first date was at 17.
Janet Camilleri says
Naww that’s so cute. I know a guy I went to school with, ended up marrying a girl he went on Romper Room with back around 1970. And I have a friend who had a boyfriend in Year 6 until she moved away. Nearly twenty years and several moves later, they met up again. They are now married with 3 kids!
Amy says
I was an early bloomer. Having my first crush (and 1st kiss ..er- peck) in 4th grade. 2nd base in 7th grade. And was sexually active by 14. But had a steady boyfriend from Freshman in Highschool till Senior yr in College. My husband was a late blummer. He claims he wasn’t sexually active until college but was very promiscuous during his college yrs.
My 10yr old son has had a “girlfriend” for 6months. She is a close friend of the family and our families do things often together. My 13 yr old daughter has a boyfriend who she met while bowling with another family. They go to different schools but have been snapchatting and face timing for about 6 months. Now that school is out, she is wanting to have him over to “hang out”. I haven’t gave in yet. Not sure how I feel about this. Looking for constructive/sound advice.