Should i let my daughter date at 12

Dear Dr. G.

The time that I've dreaded has just arrived.

What age should i let my daughter wear makeup

My 12-year-old daughter has asked me when she can start dating. I wasn't allowed to date until I was 18 because I had very strict parents. I didn't sneak around and date either because I didn't want to get into trouble with my parents.

Let's just say that I was sort of a goody two shoes and didn't want to upset my parents.

Fast forward to 2014. I am now a mother of a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son. Last week, the 12-year-old asked when she can start dating.

I was shocked that she would even think about the concept of dating at such a young age. My husband and I have been discussing the answer to our daughter's question and we just don't know the right answer.

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I don't want to be overly protective and strict like my parents were but I also don't want to be too permissive. By the way, my husband was a late bloomer and started dating at 19.

Please help.

A Confused Mother

Dear Mother,

I completely understand why you are confused.

First, the definition of dating is different these days than it was when you and

when should i allow my daughter to date

should i let my daughter date at 12