Parents Guidelines for Teen Dating - Protect But Don't Smother

Here are some great guidelines for parents to follow to protect their teenagers during dating and how to entrust them to have fun. No parent wants to release their teenager to the wolves, nor excessively smother them as they enter adulthood. Find the perfect balance and have peace as a parent.

My Teen Dating Rules for Parents
1. Meet your teenager's friend before agreeing to let them date.
2. Upon approving of their date, know where your teenager is going to be.
3. Tell them what time you expect them to be home.
4. Advise them of what behavior is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
5. Trust them to honor you and them to make the right choices.
6. When they return, ask them if they had a good time and try to get them to open up and casually tell you about their date (while looking for any body language that might convey guilt or something suspicious).
7. If all seems well and you feel good, rest in peace. If not, inquire further of your teen (and if necessary their friends and date).

Ideally you want to protect your teenager, but simultaneously build trust so you don't have to smother them.

Every teenager is different. Some will be compliant and obedient, whereas others will be defiant and rebellious. Know your own child and sniff out any negative attitudes that might indicate bad behavior.

Remember your teenager's friends determines their future. So too is it with dating. Many teenagers career hopes are quickly ruined by an unwanted pregnancy, car accident, or prison sentence. Teach your teenager how to guard their heart, life, and future.