Hey Mom and Dad, When Is It Appropriate to Let Your Kids Start Dating?

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

With Valentine's Day close at hand, love is in the air. Valentines exchanged in school from an early age are innocent enough, but it's not long before classmates start developing crushes. That brings us to this week's question:

At what age should you allow your children to begin going on dates?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

Kevin S. The day after my funeral! via Oswego Patch Facebook

Jenni D. I don't think it's an age thing. I think it's depends on maturity. via Shorewood Patch Facebook

Porsche D. My.boys can date whenever, but good luck bringing a girl into my.home...ha via Joliet Patch Facebook

Saffron L. Me and my husband agree for our daughter its only after she becomes a nun! But in real life, for all our kids it'll be a case-by-case basis. Definitely no earlier than High School. via Plainfield Patch Facebook

Jennifer R. I have two teenage daughters. I dont tell them when its the right age to have a boyfriend. Personally i think the sooner they have relationship experience the sooner they'll be able to recognize what they dont want in a boyfriend. Heartbreak is part of growing up. via Bolingbrook Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.