How to Convince Your Parents You’re Ready to Start Dating

Even though you might be ready to start dating, there's a chance your parents aren't exactly on board just yet.

If that's the case, it can be understandably discouraging and frustrating, but it doesn't necessarily mean you can't go ahead and do your part to show the grownups in your life that you're emotionally ready to take this next big step.

Granted, your parents' reasons for not yet allowing you to date may be deeply personal and vary greatly, but we're willing to bet they are, at the very least, rooted in some key thoughts or observations your mom and dad have regarding you and your life. If that's true, it's on you to show your parents that you're prepared to enter a new and important period in your life.

Scroll down for a list of five ways to convince your parents you're ready to start dating.

Show Them You Can Follow the Rules

If your parents have reservations about you dating, some of their trepidation could stem from the fact that they haven't yet seen you know how to follow the rules and boundaries they've already put in place for you. If you suspect this might be the case, do what you can to prove to your mom and dad that you're capable of listening to their guidelines—dating-related or otherwise.

In other words, if your parents have a rule that you aren't allowed to watch television until all your homework is finished, don't start going against them now. Instead, follow that rule and show them you're able to abide by the parameters they've put in place, however ridiculous you feel they may be. This will help your parents see that you're mature enough to follow their advice, and will give them more confidence in your ability to do things without them, such as go on a date.

(The Kissing Booth via Netflix)

Demonstrate That You're Responsible

Following the rules is a great way to prove to your parents that you're morphing from a kid used to having things done for them, into a more self-sufficient teen, but there are other key ways to demonstrate a sense of responsibility as well, and they may go even farther in convincing your mom and dad that you're ready to date.

For example, try helping out around the house (ideally without being asked), or volunteer to pick up your younger sibling from baseball practice. Before those pesky grownups in your life will be ready to let you go out with people, they need to see that you're responsible and have the skills necessary to navigate the messy world of dating, including balancing the needs of others. Lending a hand in any way you can is a concrete and easy way to demonstrate that.

Use Good Judgment

Speaking of accruing skills needed to show that you're ready for a relationship, your parents will undoubtedly need to see that you can, and do, use good judgment. Think about it from their perspective: If they're going to let you go to dinner or a movie with someone they (and even you) don't know all that well, they need to know you're capable of making informed, smart choices that won't put you (or anyone else, for that matter) in a precarious situation. Start off by showing your parental units you have good judgment by practicing before a big game or rehearsing prior to a choir concert.

(To All the Boys I've Loved Before via Netflix)

Get Your Priorities in Order

One reason parents typically discourage their children from dating is because they worry it will distract them from academics, sports or other important activities. If your parents fall into this category, it's crucial that you show them dating won't detract from other key components of your life. Much like showing your parents you're capable of using good judgment, you can achieve this by proving to them firsthand that nothing in your life will suffer because you want a boyfriend or girlfriend.

If they're worried about the prospect of your priorities shifting, show them that you know it's more important to study for your history midterm than go to your BFFs for a slumber party, or that you understand soccer practice takes precedence over a trip to the mall. The more confidence they have in your ability to lead your own life, the more likely they'll be to let you date.

Don't Do It Out of Spite

If your parents have prohibited you from dating, it's not uncommon for you to want it even more—but do your best to resist the urge to defy them just because you can. Not only would taking action in spite of your parents' wishes effectively show your immaturity and prove to them that you are, in fact, not ready to date, but if you date before you're truly ready, it could have a negative impact on you as well. Making the decision to start dating is a big one, and it's not something that should be rushed or done out of spite. You'll need and want your parents support as you begin navigating the dating world, so make sure you start off on the right foot and get them in your corner.

(Grown-ish via Freeform)

 

For more advice on how to deal with your mom and dad, click HERE for tips on how to talk to your parents if you're overwhelmed by your busy schedule.