| Ages & Stages
Deciding About Dating
Your fifth grade daughter tells you about her "boyfriend".
You think it's cute. What if your eighth grade daughter comes home
and says the same thing? Is she ready for the responsibility? Will
your son or daughter be safe in a dating relationship? Will it lead
to early sexual activity?
The experts say when boys and girls date early, they:
- Form superficial relationships not long
lasting relationship skills.
- Miss out on valuable developmental time
with same sex friends.
- Are more likely to become sexually active
at a young age.
Children younger than age 14-15 are still developing their sense
of identity. Before your child begins dating, find out what their
beliefs are and what their definition of dating is. Talk about your
expectations for them and for their future relationships.
The most important thing you can do is stay involved. Ask questions
like who, what, where, and when. You have a right and a responsibility
to keep your young person safe and healthy.
Links
Deciding
About Dating (pdf)
Quality Time, Quality Books
School has started. So has teasing by other children. Strengthen
your child’s self-esteem after a hard day at school. Treat
your children like royalty, read to them. Your children need the
positive attention and you will be teaching them American history.
Read to your Prince or Princess
Kaiulani: The People’s Princess, Hawaii, 1889 By:
Ellen Emerson White
Me & My Dad Activity: A Night of Royalty
1. Tell your children very special people are coming for
dinner.
2. Have them change into their Sunday best.
3. They can help set the table with candles, flowers, and the “good”
dishes.
4. Make paper crowns covered by aluminum. Write Princess Katie or
Prince Kyle on them. Place at their seat.
5. Fix them their favorite meal.
6. Call them for dinner and say they are very special people.
Have fun! Call your children by their titles all through dinner
as you discuss things happening with them at school. Princess Sarah,
please pass the peas!” She will giggle every time.
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