Most parents of a preteen or teenager have concerns about dating and Jason Momoa is no different. In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor talked about the imminent day that his 13-year-old daughter, Lola, starts dating, saying “I’m not going to do well with it.”

“I’ll just hate it if she brings home some dips— bad boy,” he said. “I’m like, ‘If you find a man who treats you better than I [treat wife Lisa Bonet], good luck!’”

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Momoa opened up about his daughter turning 13, saying he cried on her birthday. He explained that it had to do with the fact that she would soon be dating.

The transition from childhood to dating age is a milestone that every parent will meet. And the customs are changing rapidly. According to HealthyChildren.org, teens are starting to date much younger on average: about twelve and a half for girls and thirteen for boys. Although this style of dating is often framed as more of a group hangout with boys and girls, it’s an important step in development.

Dr. Ron Eager, a pediatrician at Denver Health Medical Center, explained that group dating like this can be a great way for young people to dip their toe in the dating pool.

“The number one benefit is safety,” Eager said, a father of two grown children of his own.

Eager also explained the huge differences in development year to year during adolescence as being a factor for when to start allowing your child to one-on-one date.

“There’s an enormous difference between a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old and a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old in terms of life experience,” he said.

Good Housekeeping offers some advice for parents of a teen or preteen who will soon be dating. One of the first things to do, according to Andrew Smiler, Ph.D., a therapist and author of Dating and Sex; A Guide for the 20th Century Teen Boy, is to become educated as parents. Your child may have their first school-yard crush in fifth or sixth grade, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready for “dating.” Amy Lang, a sexuality educator and author of Dating Smarts: What Every Teen Needs To Know To Date, Relate, or Wait, recommends focusing on the friendship-aspect of a relationship when your child comes home with their first crush.

“Even though their crush might be super-cute, he or she might not be very nice,” Lang said, explaining that this will help you teach your child that physical attraction is not the only thing to base a relationship on.

Another responsibility we have as parents is to watch out for those dating red flags as our children entire the world of relationships. One of the first things to watch out for is the age of your child and an age gap between them and their partner. Experts say a larger age gap is not appropriate because of the varying levels of maturity. And as you would with yourself, you should watch for any unhealthy relationship patterns or behaviors, like someone being over-controlling or demanding in the relationship. You should also try to discourage your child from spending time with people who encourage them to hide things or break the rules you’ve set.

Some of us handle our children dating better than others. The important thing is helping to guide them as they explore this new phase of life, while also encouraging and fostering healthy behaviors. With the proper guidance, your child will enter the dating arena confidently and navigate relationships safely.

SOURCES: Men's Health, HealthyChildren.org, Good Housekeeping

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