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Parenting Tips - Teen Dating
When your teen wants to date someone older, what do you do?

By Denise Witmer, About.com

Teens that are dating tend to date within their age/grade range. Your teenager may, however, want to date someone who is much older, say 4 years, than he/she is. Depending on where their friend is in grade level, you may not approve and for good reason. Older teens and/or young adults may be further along in maturity than your teenager and may expect sexual relations as part of the dating process. This would put your teen into adult situations at too young an age. This isn't good for your teenager developmentally.

Discuss your concerns with your teenager and set the limits. Be firm and prepared to stand by the limits should it become necessary. Re-discuss the limits and the reasons for them often.

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