One study says children who start dating when they're very young tend to have more behavioral issues than those who waited, The Daily Mail reported. According to that research, "very young" is

anything younger than 14.

If your daughter is 14 or older and you trust her to stick to her morals, behave responsibly, get home on time, and not be distracted by dates at

school or work, she's probably ready to start dating. The same goes for the boys she wants to go out with; get to know them a little. 

Since preventing her from dating will probably make her want to do it even more, give her some opportunities to earn your trust. Generally, younger teens (around age 14 to 15) should stick

to dates among groups of friends, then as they get older (and if that relationship progresses) they can graduate to group, then double-, then one-on-one dates, FamilyLife recommends. 

Set a curfew for your daughter, and make sure you enforce it. If you're lax on your own rules, she's not going to want to follow them, either.

Obviously, you want to know who your daughter is dating, but it wouldn't hurt to give his parents a phone call, too! Introduce yourself and make sure you're aware of each

other's rules for your teens.

Sometimes you've got to be strict for her sake, and it won't feel good. But in the end, you're not her best friend — you're her parent. You make the

rules. It's her job to follow them, and your job to punish her if she doesn't. That's just how parenting works.

You're not off the hook once you've gotten that initial dating conversation over with! Check in with your daughter every once in a while to make sure everything's going OK.

Be supportive — maybe even offer to drive her to and from dates. 

And even if you like the guy she's dating, always look out for signs of an abusive or manipulative relationship.

Be respectful and kind, but keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to keep your daughter safe.