Hi Steph

I was in your sons position when I was quite younger, I had my first boyfriend at age 16. My parents were extremely understanding of the situation. They weren't too intrusive and made sure that I had done all my homework and assignments before I could see him. This way I managed to organise my studies, and create structure throughout my earlier years of study. 

I had other parents that were intrusive and didn't let their children have girlfriends or boyfriends. This made my friends sneak behind their parents, creating arguments and tension. 

This trusting relationship with my parents is one of the reasons why I now have such a strong bond with both my father and mother.

Hope this helped Steph, Goodluck!