Is there one right way to handle the dating question with your teens?
Talking Points:
- Parents, start the dating conversation by making sure you’re on the same page with your teenager as to what dating means to each of you. If you have differing ideas, you will likely experience conflict and confusion.
- You need to establish the “Why” behind the rules you have for dating. Just making rules for the sake of rules will frustrate your teenager and may push them to rebel.
- Successful parenting is about a transfer of ownership. Parents should help their kids discover the pros and cons of dating and the dangers to watch out for when they do.
- Dating too soon can awaken sexual desires that your teenager is not ready for and shouldn’t even act upon at this time in their life.
Quote This:
Song of Songs 8:4 Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share what dating meant to you when you were a teenager. What are some things you wish you had done differently and why?
- Have you already had some dating conversations with your teens? How did it go?
- Read Song of Songs 8:4. Why is it dangerous to awaken love before it’s time? Did you make this mistake yourself? What were the consequences for that choice?
- Articulate your “Whys” regarding your perspective on dating. Does your teen know and understand your perspective? Explain.
- Why is it better for your teen to develop their own “Why”? How will you help your teen to take more ownership of their lives?
- Read 1 Corinthians 6:18. Why does Paul say to run from sexual sin? How does this apply to your teen and dating? What are some boundaries your teen will need to have in place to protect them from sexual sin?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
