21:17
Faizan
An Internet search for "Teen Dating" will point you in the direction of a whole host of websites devoted to disseminating information about the risks of teenage dating and the statistics behind teen dating violence, pregnancy and STDs. While it's true that these are very real issues deserving of the utmost attention, there are social benefits for teens who experience dating in a safe and positive way.
Dating and Human Nature
Seeking companionship is not exclusive to humans. In fact, it's common in the animal kingdom. Humans, however, with their complex brains and emotions, are subject to the peculiar phenomenon of love. Love, sex and eventual lifelong bonding are parts of the human experience and can all enhance life for those who approach them with due respect and maturity. A teen who can safely gain early experience in dating and romantic relationships, when her development is being greatly influenced, may mature into a more socially competent, experienced, and functional adult.
Relationship Strengths and Weaknesses
Teens who date and experience a variety of relationships during the formative years of adolescence can develop a strong sense of what their strengths and weaknesses are in relationships and will be able to adjust over time. Adolescent relationships will confront teens with peer pressure, jealousy, arguments, reconciliations and a number of other important character tests that will confront them for the rest of their dating and romantic lives.
Determining Preferences
Young people who date will have the opportunity to learn early on what it is about dating that they like and what they'd like to avoid in the future. This includes the types of people who appeal to them as dates and potential romantic interests, the types of places they like to go on dates and the activities they find most enjoyable in the company of another person.
Self-worth
A problematic reality of teen dating is that it can often hurt self-esteem. Teens may believe that they must be in a relationship to feel good about themselves and such teens will often sacrifice their principles or morals to keep a relationship. However, if approached maturely, teen relationships can be mutually beneficial and increase both the confidence and self-worth of both parties involved. Teens will learn that they have something to offer a relationship and that they are capable of giving and receiving feelings.
The Role of Parenting
Suffice it to say, parents are the largest difference between teens who experience trouble and danger in dating, and those who experience positivity and personal growth in dating. Parents must frankly educate their children as to the dangers of dating, while not provoking rebellion from their teen through excessive social restrictions.
Dating and Human Nature
Seeking companionship is not exclusive to humans. In fact, it's common in the animal kingdom. Humans, however, with their complex brains and emotions, are subject to the peculiar phenomenon of love. Love, sex and eventual lifelong bonding are parts of the human experience and can all enhance life for those who approach them with due respect and maturity. A teen who can safely gain early experience in dating and romantic relationships, when her development is being greatly influenced, may mature into a more socially competent, experienced, and functional adult.
Relationship Strengths and Weaknesses
Teens who date and experience a variety of relationships during the formative years of adolescence can develop a strong sense of what their strengths and weaknesses are in relationships and will be able to adjust over time. Adolescent relationships will confront teens with peer pressure, jealousy, arguments, reconciliations and a number of other important character tests that will confront them for the rest of their dating and romantic lives.
Determining Preferences
Young people who date will have the opportunity to learn early on what it is about dating that they like and what they'd like to avoid in the future. This includes the types of people who appeal to them as dates and potential romantic interests, the types of places they like to go on dates and the activities they find most enjoyable in the company of another person.
Self-worth
A problematic reality of teen dating is that it can often hurt self-esteem. Teens may believe that they must be in a relationship to feel good about themselves and such teens will often sacrifice their principles or morals to keep a relationship. However, if approached maturely, teen relationships can be mutually beneficial and increase both the confidence and self-worth of both parties involved. Teens will learn that they have something to offer a relationship and that they are capable of giving and receiving feelings.
The Role of Parenting
Suffice it to say, parents are the largest difference between teens who experience trouble and danger in dating, and those who experience positivity and personal growth in dating. Parents must frankly educate their children as to the dangers of dating, while not provoking rebellion from their teen through excessive social restrictions.
Posted in: Teen Dating
