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Dating 101
Pre-dating Rituals for Young Teens
By Sharon Waldrop
Janice Selekman D.N.Sc., R.N., professor and chair for the department of nursing at the University of Delaware, has advice for parents of teens ready to develop a male/female relationship.
"American parents have lost their energy and creativity in developing options for preteens and teens," Selekman says. "Healthy male-female relationships need to be promoted. These can include outings to a science museum or a shopping center where the teens are given a map, an agenda or goal and a meeting point and time."
Selekman says there's no problem with the rest of the family being present at the same facility where the outing is taking place. Other possible activities include baking cookies, car washing, taking nature walks and attending sporting events.
"None of these activities focus on 'sex,' which is the real fear of parents," Selekman says. "Yet they all focus on healthy communication, learning, helping others and enjoying each other's company. They promote respect for others and responsibility for self. These are all the traits that parents are trying to foster in their growing children.
