pinkie

Thirteen is too young. This may be the age that she starts showing interest, but that doesn't mean it's time. At this age, they are too young to handle rejection, not feel pressured to do things they might want to do, or not know how to act when a break up happens. (And they always do.)

All these things mismanaged can equal unnecessary pain, stress, and worry for your child. I don't agree with the person who said to let them because refraining from allowing them will make them want it more. This may be true, but these kids need discipline, and self-restraint skills, just as much as they need freedom to make their own mistakes. Thirteen is still a young child, and in no way ready for the responsibility of "dating" or "boyfriends."

Thirteen is just such an impressionable age, and certainly not the age I would want my child to start trying to learn the hard lessons of love. Starting that process too soon could mean hard lessons later on in life for this little girl. Having a crush is one thing, but full on dating at 13? No. They aren’t ready, psychologically or emotionally. It’s just too soon.

On the other hand, having a boy whom is a friend, at school, or a cousin that is around the same age, can be healthy starting places from comfortable male female interaction. I have a thirteen-year-old myself, and the way things stand, she won’t be dating until she’s sixteen, at least. That includes boys calling and talking to her on the phone, unless it’s a relative.