Dating advice middle school

Middle School Stuff #4: Crushes and Dating

Do they consider dating extra texting with someone? Holding hands between classes and lunch? Or posting social media posts with them and a special friend? After you learn how your tween views dating, define what it means for your household as the parent. Next, remember that middle school is an awkward time. Middle schoolers have constant anxiety about their bodies and being liked. It was that way for you, and is for them now.

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If dating in middle school terrifies you, take stock of your concerns. Instead, choose the top one or two to discuss calmly and without criticism. Whenever your child wants something, they are more open to listening to you. Use that to your advantage. If you react reasonably, with a willingness to learn and be flexible, your child will trust your judgment and continue to seek your advice as the issues around dating become increasingly complex.

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The ideal time to start having open conversations about dating is prior to sixth grade. Either scenario can cause you to cringe, but take a deep breath and consider how your reaction in this moment will impact your relationship with your child in the years ahead. There are many factors to be considered — including age, maturity, values, and boundaries. Middle school-age children do not have a fully developed prefrontal cortex, and they are still relying on another part of their brain — the amygdala — to make decisions. While the prefrontal cortex allows us to rationalize using logic, the amygdala drives emotional decision making think fight or flight. Everyone remembers their first love interest, the first time they held hands with a boyfriend or girlfriend, and especially their first kiss.

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5 Tips for talking to your middle schooler about dating

Last Updated: May 24, Approved. This article was co-authored by Stefanie Safran. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status.

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