Whether we like it or not, all kids grow up. It might seem like it was just yesterday when your child was learning how to tie their shoelaces, and now they're young adults, ready to head out into the world. You might try and avoid thinking about it but at some point, teens are going to want to date. It's a terrifying thought, but it's inevitable. There's a lot to think about, from mending that first broken heart to making sure that they stay safe and don't bow into peer pressure. But how do you know when they're ready to date. Some parents agree on a specific age that their kids are allowed to start dating, but since each child develops at a different rate, it might be wiser to play it by ear. Here are a few signs to look out for.

Are they stable? How does your teen react to stressful situations? Do they blow up at the slightest thing, get overwhelmed easily and tend to get down? Dating can be emotional, especially for young adults, so if your child doesn't seem able to handle other situations very well then you may want to hold off for a while. The last thing any parent wants is a heartbroken 15-year-old when so-and-so doesn't text back after the first hour.

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Do they feel pressured? Growing up is difficult. We've all been there. If your child has never really expressed an interest in the opposite sex before, but suddenly is because all of their friends are, it might be a sign that they're bowing into peer pressure. A little bit of parental advice might bode well here, with a reminder that there really isn't any rush to jump into the dating pool.

Are they focused? A major worry for parents is how a relationship is going to affect other aspects of a teen's life, including school. These years are pivotal for their future, determining what college they get into and more importantly, who they're going to be as a person. Do they seem like they've got a good handle on who they are and where they want to go?

Have they asked you? Your teen might ask you outright if they can go out on Friday night. If you ask with who and they reply with a name that you don't know, it's okay to ask for a little more detail. This might be their way of telling you that they're ready to get out there. Make sure you set some ground rules and encourage them to be open with you about what's going on, but don't overwhelm them. Being too strict might have the opposite effect.