SHOW THEM SHE'S READY FOR DATING

Dear Jellybean,

Ok I will be turning 16 soon and I want to start dating. About a year ago when I turned 15 I asked my parents when I could start dateing and they said 16. Well I know they said 16 but I want to show my parents that I am really responsible enought to start dateing. Because sometimes my parents (mainly mom) go back on there word and say "i never said that" so what are some ways I can show my parents I am ready to start dateing?
Thanks,
Excited Teen

Dear Excited Teen,

Your parents probably meant it when they said you could date at age 16, thinking that time was a long way off. Now that the time has come, however, your folks (especially your mom) are feeling nervous about actually letting you date boys. This doesn't have to mean that they mistrust you, just that they're worried about their little baby (yep, they still think of you that way) getting hurt, emotionally or physically, by some random guy.

I know you're excited to date, and I'm impressed that you know that you have to "show" your parents that you're ready. I think that mature attitude is going to help you in this situation. My suggestion to you is, do everything possible to demonstrate to your parents that you are a responsible and trustworthy young person. Follow the rules of the house when it comes to curfews, using proper language, not leaving messes behind you, etc. Volunteer to do helpful things around the house, such as clearing the diner plates, watering the plants, or feeding pets.

Most importantly of all, keep the lines of communication open with your parents, so they feel involved in your life. When they ask how school was, don't just blow it off with "Fine". Yak to your parents every day about what's going on in your life, from the little things to the big ones. Especially with your mom, confide your feelings and report on major stuff happening with you or with your friends. Show your mom that you have good judgement, and good values, by talking to her about bad choices other kids you know have made, and how you'd do things differently. Also ask her opinion about things, and seek her expertise in anything from schoolwork, to friendship issues, to makeup or health questions.

The more your parents can see for themselves that you're a mature kid with a good head on your shoulders, the more they'll trust you to handle the situations that can come up once you enter the dating world. Follow my tips, make sure your behavior at home reflects the mature person you are becoming, and I think you'll be in good shape for when you meet a guy you actually want to date.