'Moms Talk' Q & A: How Old Should Your Child Be to Start Dating?

Each week the council will answer a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week, the Moms Council addresses the subject of when kids should start dating.

This topic hit home for me recently when I attended a niece's 16th birthday party. Her dad, the high school quarterback enshrined in his school's athletic hall of fame, has been dreading the thought of her dating since she was born. I had visions of Al Bundy roughing up boys coming to pick up his daughter on Married with Children.

However, if she's been on dates yet, she's not telling. Apparently a boy she likes and is around a lot is content to hang out as friends and she hasn't shown interest in anyone else. So he's dodged that bullet so far.

I think a lot of people believe kids are dating younger these days, but maybe that's not the case. Still, it's going to happen sometime, and now that she's 16 I don't think her parents would stand in the way, even though they might want to.

Now, here's a mom's view of the subject.

Kim Zannetti: We realize that we can't control the hormones or feelings, and today, "going out" consists of texting really.  As far as "car dating," we feel comfortable with 16.