To Date or Not To Date...What Age?

I'm a little concerned.

Miss M is 10, almost 11 years old. She is bright, outgoing, and althletic.

She is also thoughtful, quiet, and happy.

Her idea of a wonderful weekend is playing some field hockey, practicing softball, curling up with a good book, playing with her American Girl dolls, and on a great weekend - having (or going to) a girlfriend over.

I recently was talking with another 5th grade mom, when she casually asked if Miss M was one of the girls invited to the "group" movie night.

I told the mom no. She sighed a sigh of motherly relief - her daughter was not invited either.

It seems there are certain girls and boys in the 5th grade who go on group movie dates. It is unclear as to whether any parents attend the movie along with the kids or not.

Either way, I am really glad Miss M is not invited. Even if she were invited I would not allow her to go.

This seems too much like a "date" to me. Who cares if it is 3 girls and 3 boys? It is still a 1:1 boy/girl ratio.

The other mom commented to me that in talking with moms, the general impression is that - as a group - what could happen? They had not told their daughters or sons they could not go on dates (who would think to discuss an appropriate dating age by 10?!)

We have always - from as early as I can remember - commented in passing to Miss M that she will not date until she is 32, or 25, or 18.

She shows no interest in boys (other than Nick Jonas - but we've all had a little celebrity crush)

These same girls are also dressing to the nine's to go see the boys play in their baskball games.

So, while I have nothing to worry about right now - Miss M shows no interest in boys, we've discussed how her body is a gift from God and needs to always be treated with respect, and have commented with more definition now that dating is not allowed until she is at least 16 - 18 - my question is this:

Am I out of the loop? Is this a growing trend? What would you do?

I personally think all kids today are growing up way too fast. We still limit what our kids watch on TV, what they are allowed to listen to, go to church, talk to our kids, and have final say in what is worn out of the house.

Am I alone in this? What are your thoughts?

I'm really having a hard time grasping how other moms, of girls in a Catholic School, are okay with their 10 and 11 year old daughters going out on group dates with boys. Whether or not an adult is along.

(And I am oh so glad Miss M is not really friends with any of these girls)

Til next time, I'll still be...

Being Brenda