Dating Tips

Dating can be fun and safe! Teens need and want rules, boundaries, and pointers to guide them through this unfamiliar terrain - and though they may appear to be too cool to listen to mom and dad at times, they are listening and understand rules, boundaries, and curfews.

Encourage group dating! It is more fun to have a few friends around. It's safer, and can help avoid awkward silences that occur when it's just one-on-one.

Give them ideas for fun group dates - active outings like ice skating, tennis, roller blading and mini-golf are always great! Requiring them to have a plan in advance reduces time spent "just sitting" in a car, which can be a very risky situation.

Establish dating rules ahead of time - make sure you know where they are going, with whom, for how long, who is driving, time they are to return home, and how to reach you in case of an emergency! Teen couples should never be alone in a home without parental supervision. Knowing the rules and what you expect can help your teen make better decisions.

Talk, talk, talk! It is never too late to talk with your teen about respecting and protecting their body, their heart, and their future! Help them to understand that dating is really about learning to relate to another person and enjoying their company - sex is something entirely different and is best reserved for marriage.