11yr old wants to go on a date

[Anonymous]

Agree with the PP's who suggested an ice cream after school or to the movies with parents nearby. My 11-year-old son's crowd does similar things. It's no big deal, and most of the families in our crowd know each other anyway. Better to have them hang out in public and learn some good social skills now before they're older and more self-conscious. Another idea: have your DS fix her dinner at your house.

[Anonymous]

Don't really see what the big deal is. What exactly are you worried about? I'd be more concerned about a group of kids hanging out at someone's basement, than two kids having dinner, in public. The mom who sat behind her 13-year-old and his date at the movies and "watched every move", it's great that it worked out for you, but I find that rather creepy.

[Anonymous]

Aw. This reminds me of the time I met Casey at Pizza Hut in 5th grade. So innocent. And hilarious. Actually surprised my parents let me go, considering they wouldn't let me go on a date with a 16 year old (good kid) when I was 15.

[Anonymous]

I know this is a real problem, OP, but it kind of made me giggle. Is your son Manny from Modern Family by any chance?

[Anonymous]

I would tell him he will have lots of chances to take girls out to dinner when he gets to high school. The rule in our house is you may date in high school, which still seems to be a lot of group hanging out in 9&10th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We don't believe in dating. When one is ready for marriage they may consider courting the opposite sex. Before then, there are more important things to focus on.

Ok Mrs Duggar

[Anonymous]

Let them go to a casual place! DO NOT DOUBLE DATE OR LURK NEARBY!!! This seems pretty innocent and can be a good way for him to learn to be around girls in a nice, innocent way.

Is your 11yo mature for his age (hitting puberty and having some "manly" aspects) or is he a typical sorta gawky 11yo? Is he a rising 6th grader? If a rising 5th grader, I'd say to wait. I'm assuming the girl is 11. Do you know her? If they go out, make sure you and the other parents meet so everyone knows everyone.

Let us know what happens!!

[Anonymous]

My 11-year-old has been on a few "dates" with her "boyfriend." They do stuff they would do with any other friend-- movies, bowling, ice skating. I never gave it a second thought... Well, except when she asked if they could have a sleepover. Of course, I said no. The boy's mom and I were laughing about how both kids thought it was unfair that we wouldn't allow a sleepover. Clearly, their intentions were 100% innocent.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live? In Fairfax County, 5th graders receive a week-long curriculum on "the birds and the bees." All the parents were noting that, in the weeks following this, many of the kids coupled off into boyfriend and girlfriend. All innocent, as far as I can tell.

[Anonymous]

NO!