what age is appropriate?
545373
Hi, this is a very complex situation, and you have explained it very well.  Your friend who is 15 and gay, has a non-sexual relationship with a 21-year-old gay man.  Your concern is for your friend because he has a "crush" on this man, but the man is "not interested' (sexually?) in your friend.  So to begin with all the "against the law" answers are wrong. Unless a physical relation is part of the equation even our puritanically demented society has not passed a law forbidding friendship between people of different ages.  If it did organizations like Big Brothers and Sisters would have to stop their excellent work.  Through out our lives, it helps to have a "mentor."  Someone who is a bit more experienced than ourselves who can help us through some of the "passages" of life.  This cannot always be a parent, no matter how much we may love our parents, because a parent has different concerns (our safety) and often sees us a "child." To have a slightly older friend, who has gone through some life experience and can share and encourage is important.  Having said this, your concern is is for your friend, in terms of his feelings (crush) and the 21-year-old for his "life" and reputation.  I think your concern shows you to be a caring individual and true and good friend.  Hopefully we are always ready to listen to the people like you in our lives.  Have you calmly expressed your concerns to your friend in a way as clear as your question here?  If you have, and he still wishes to pursue this relationship then there is not much you can do.  I think the best "advice" you could give to your friend is to point out the Issues involved: 1) The 21-year-old is (according to you) uninterested, uninitiated (a virgin) and would suffer the "legal" consequences of any physical relationship - so is your friend ready to "accept' these "boundaries" to the relationship? 2) Can your friend pursue a friendship without a physical relationship (his crush?) Can he control his own feelings?\nOnce you have helped your friend clarify the situation and his responsibilities, then you can only support him in whatever decision he arrives at.  \nI would only add that a non-sexual "mentoring" relationship, while important for everyone, is especially important for gay and lesbian youth.  Most people have "models" of what they want and need to become in their parents, teachers, social heros, etc. But gay people grown-up largely without any models, without anyone who can say, "I did this, you can too."  So even though your friend sounds like a confident young gay man, with a loving family and wonderful supportive friends such as yourself, he may still need an "older" model that he can talk to about things and try to follow - always given the non-sexual, non-exploitive nature of the relationship.  Good luck.
187102
I started when I entered middle school (age 11). My previous school was close enough that it was unnecessary, but in middle school it was much further away.\n\nI think it rather depends on the child. If they are prone to misbehaving, I would suggest waiting until an older, more mature age. Of course, if it is necessary (though it doesn't sound as if it is, in your case), then any age past their first year should be fine. Kids cope well (though I do think they need to get adjusted to the environment first).
802243
I don't think any age is too old. people should be able to learn at any stage in their life.
287031
is depends on the age
963813
Usually kids that age will tell you (and everyone else) exactly what they want.  If you don't know ask a parent or someone who spends time with the child, or if the child is really young you can ask them yourself, and it will still be OK.  Then just use your discretion and make sure what they want is appropriate, in your price range, etc.
324070
depends on how old they are.
822997
I am an early childhood student teacher (preschool-3rd grade). I have worked in preschools and I have to say that I think 4 years old is a great time to start children in preschool. It seems that parents want their children to start so early, at 1 1/2-2 years old so that their child has a jump start on learning. That is great, however, children are not developmentally ready then. By 4 years old, children are beginning to form their own identity and are ready to go to a school environment away from mom and dad. Even at 4-years, some children struggle but at that age, children are ready and eager to start preschool. Before the age of four, I think parents should enroll their children in play groups so they have the opportunity to interact with children.   I also suggest giving your child 2 years of preschool so that your child will be 6 or close to turning 6 years old.\n\nI am 22 years old and my parents waited till I was 4 to send me to preschool because I had a summer birthday. I think that was the wisest move they made. If I would have been sent to preschool at 3, I would have been one of the youngest in my class.
218454
This varies by jurisdiction.  Mine has no age description.  Use common sense and knowledge of your child's own abilities-including stranger danger.\n\nIf they're of school age, call the school.  They will know.
882644
Probably age 11 or 12.
1076128
Between the ages of 18-21 usually.
483824
So How Old Is Your Perfect Son?
688370
age is important from the asker.....
1169990
It depends on what state you are in. I live in Wisconsin and there is no set age. As long as it is a reasonable amount of time and as long as the child knows what to do in case of an emergency and has a list of important phone numbers.
633250
depends what age group your looking for
114740
It's 16 or 18 depending on circumstances. For more info, see my source.
886831
Hello- between 2&5.\n\n Take Care!
372591
Atleast old enough to spell!!!\nHave not Half!!!\nAnyways, I'm pretty sure its 18+