Dear Margot: Parents Think Dating is a Distraction

Dear Margot,

My parents won't let me date because they think I should focus on school, but I really like this person. How do I convince them it’s not just a distraction and I’m mature enough? 

The first thing is that you have to prove to them that you are doing well in school, getting good grades, and staying out of trouble because their main reason for why they don't want you to date is because they want you to focus on school, so if you are focusing on school and can prove that you manage it well, then they really don't have a reason anymore to keep you from dating. Also because you want to convince them that you are responsible and are capable of keeping up with those good grades. 

Another thing is that if you want to prove that you are mature enough to be in a relationship in the first place, you have to show signs of maturity, like, for example, not partaking in horseplay, taking responsibility for stuff you did wrong, being respectful, and staying humble. 

If you know that you can keep up with a good routine of doing your work on time and staying out of trouble being responsible then ask your parents if they would reconsider on what they told you before about dating and give your reasons on why you are more mature and responsible enough to manage having good grades plus being in a relationship and if they still say no ask them if they are open for you to maintain focus in school and keep your good grades while still being in a relationship to show you are mature enough to handle one, because if you are able to show them that you can do it you can prove to them that you are ready enough to be in a relationship and still maintain focus in school.

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