Let me be honest...this is something I've been "fearing" since my kids were little...the age when they are old enough to date. And since all 3 are so close in age I am now at the height of anxiety, as all 3 are dating!
*deep breath*
They have all discovered that dating can be pretty expensive. For two to play two games of bowling it is near $30! To see a movie it will probably run a couple close to $30 as well, by the time you figure in the tickets, beverages and snacks. And while it was traditional in the past for the boy to pay for everything, we believe that dating can be a shared expense. As long as both people contribute somewhat equally, I think it takes a huge pressure off the whole dating scene.
With kids starting to date at a younger age, there is also a transportation issue. They either don't have their license yet, or they are still in a restriction period of not being able to drive anyone else around that is not a family member. And there are plenty of us parents who just won't allow our child to ride with a newbie driver. Parents don't have/want to take the time to drive kids back and forth every weekend.
Solution...the kids hang out at each other's houses. Our main rule is there must be at least one parent home, and they must stay on the main levels, no bedrooms. Most of the time it turns into watching a movie(or 2), playing video games, foosball, shooting pool, or board games. And yes, sometimes they actually hang out in the same room as us *gasp*...we must be somewhat cool then, right?
This solution actually helps bring my anxiety level down. We know where the kids are, what they're doing, and we get to know their friends better. It's a win-win for everyone.
Of course my anxiety level will go back up a little this weekend...we have invited a young man over who wants to date one of our daughters. If he passes our "tests" we will probably allow them to see each other outside of school. Haven't asked hubby yet if he'll be sharpening his Battle Ax when the young lad arrives...oh yes, he really does have one ;-)
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