Group dating for teenagers is alive and well—at least in our part of the world. I have found it reassuring and encouraging noticing that my kids seem to prefer to do dates, parties and other activities in a group of friends—instead of the intensive, one-on-one dating. I’ve observed, however, that there is plenty of gentle encouragement and support coming from all of the parents.
Making room for a crowd definitely takes some parental involvement—whether it’s being willing to open your doors (and kitchen cupboards) to a raucous group after a movie or after school, or being able to give rides, host parties or whatever. I have to admit that it’s easier on my nerves when my kids only have one friend over—but by encouraging a culture where things are done in groups, I do definitely feel better about safety and other motherly concerns.
I feel incredibly thankful that my teenage kids are still tending to do things in a pack—whether it’s meeting at the library, going to movies, playing paint-ball (my son’s recent favorite activity), going to school plays or whatever, I’m finding that I breathe easier when I know there’s more than just a couple. With multiple cell phones and several parents knowing what they’re up to, there’s good, practical reason to encourage the group activities.
In chatting with my kids, they prefer doing things in a group simply because it’s more fun and less pressure. It’s easier to find someone to talk to, the conversations tend to be more organic and they feel like a “group” moving about town. I don’t know about you, but I can surely remember how important it was to feel like part of a “group” when I was a teenager. I think parents can tap into this desire by encouraging and supporting the group activities and dates.
See Also: Wrestling with Trust, Encouraging Teens to Stay Active, and No End Yet to Sleep Deprivation