Anonymous
asks:
In Topics:
Parenting / Our Family, Friendships and peer relationships, Teen sexuality and dating
Q:
If my 10 year old daughter asks if she can have her boyfriend come over, what should I do?
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (4)
Ten years old strike me as TOO young for dating/boyfriend/girfriend relationships. Boys and girls playing together is fine.
Ron
Ron
> 60 days ago
Hi,
As a mother a preteen myself, I agree that 10 years old is too young for dating. However, the term "boyfriend" likely does not have the same meaning to your daughter now as it will when she's a teenager or adult. Allowing her to host her friends (male and female) at your home while an attentive adult is present seems appropriate. If one of those friends includes a male that she calls "boyfriend", it seems better that they interact in your home where you can supervise their interactions, guide/ensure healthy behavior, and make observations or gather information that will help guide any future decisions you need to make with regards to your daughter's relationship with this boy (or others).
At 10 years old, your daughter may be learning about puberty and receiving sex education at school. If she isn't, I suggest that you mention her current interest in boys to her pediatrician and/or a family counselor, and that you work with these health professionals to educate your daughter about her body and the risks of sexual activity.
Below are some informational resources you may find helpful, including similar Q&A related to your question. Thanks for asking!
As a mother a preteen myself, I agree that 10 years old is too young for dating. However, the term "boyfriend" likely does not have the same meaning to your daughter now as it will when she's a teenager or adult. Allowing her to host her friends (male and female) at your home while an attentive adult is present seems appropriate. If one of those friends includes a male that she calls "boyfriend", it seems better that they interact in your home where you can supervise their interactions, guide/ensure healthy behavior, and make observations or gather information that will help guide any future decisions you need to make with regards to your daughter's relationship with this boy (or others).
At 10 years old, your daughter may be learning about puberty and receiving sex education at school. If she isn't, I suggest that you mention her current interest in boys to her pediatrician and/or a family counselor, and that you work with these health professionals to educate your daughter about her body and the risks of sexual activity.
Below are some informational resources you may find helpful, including similar Q&A related to your question. Thanks for asking!
Resources:
> 60 days ago
Definitely the answer is "NO". She is still to young to have a boyfriend. I think she just need your attention. Maybe if you could make time with your daughter... talk to her
> 60 days ago
A 10-y-o is not a "teen." She is a child.
No boyfriends. They aren't old enough and sophisticated enough for sexual relationships at 10--or even quite a bit older than that. Teens need to figured out who they are first and not risk getting their identities redefined for them by stronger personalities, especially not with a sexual element at such a young age.
No boyfriends. They aren't old enough and sophisticated enough for sexual relationships at 10--or even quite a bit older than that. Teens need to figured out who they are first and not risk getting their identities redefined for them by stronger personalities, especially not with a sexual element at such a young age.
> 60 days ago
