There Are No Simple Rules for Dating My Daughter

What do you say when your 13-year-old asks, "How can I make a guy go out with me?" How do you respond to a 17-year-old who says she's in love? What do you do with a daughter whose endless hookups and breakups leave her an emotional wreck? The answers, just like dating relationships, aren't always easy. This book gives parents a window into the teen dating scene and shows them how to maintain their sanity amid all the crushes, courtships, and infatuations of adolescents. Both the fears and the fun of teen dating are revealed as the authors look at some of its biggest issues:

• Age (How old should your daughter be before she starts dating, and what age should her dates be?)
• Today's Teen Scene (How has dating changed since you were in high school?)
• Car Dates (Does your daughter have an escape route if a good date goes bad?)
• Appropriate Attire (When skin is in, is a bare midriff, backless dress, or plunging neckline being fashionable or foolish?)
• Gift Giving (Are gifts of underwear going over the top?)
• Internet Use (What are the dangers of meeting people and discussing dating relationships over the Web?)
• Breaking Up (How do you console a heartbroken teen? What can you do to help your daughter gracefully exit a relationship?)

The book urges parents to sit down and talk seriously with daughters about the purpose of dating and to create family dating rules. Sample activities will help you get the conversation started. Inside, real-life dating stories, many silly, some scary, serve to remind parents that dating is a valuable experience that shouldn't be denied or trivialized. Laura Buddenburg is the mother of two teenaged daughters. Kathleen McGee, mother of one, is a former high school teacher. Together, they have worked with teens and parents for more than two decades and are the co-authors of Who's Raising Your Child and Unmasking Sexual Con Games. 216 pages

Reviews: "Parents found the book empowering, in effect giving them the tools to decide what course of action will work best for everyone. Parents told us that they really had no idea how to proceed, but after reading this book they learned that it is OK to ignore peer pressure and say "No" to their teen. Overall the book is lighthearted yet realistic. If you have a child just entering high school, pick up this book." ~The National Parenting Center

"An incredibly valuable resource for any parent with a teenaged daughter who is navigating the turbulent waters of dating!" ~LeVar Burton

"I have several books about dating/teenagers...but yours has the clearest ideas for actually some ideas of what to DO to talk through things with the kids. Your 5 questions were VERY helpful to have as guidelines. Thanks." ~Betsy C., parent "This positive, proactive book urges parents to talk seriously with their daughters about dating and create family dating rules. The section on the risks of online communication is valuable, as are the exercises for teen self-reflection. No Simple Rules is a solid choice for parents who want some guidance and reassurance as they watch their daughters navigate the world of dating". ~Esty Schachter, Ithaca Parent & Teen

Published by Boys Town Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-889322-71-1