How to Prepare Christian Teen Girls to Date
Navigating the dating world can be tough, especially when you're trying to adhere to Christian principles. Although it's not impossible to stick to religious ideals while dating, it can be particularly challenging for teens to handle this added pressure. Provide your teen girl with the support needed to deal with dating pressures and pitfalls, without letting go of her Christian faith.
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Instructions
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Introduce her to dating slowly. Allow her to experience group dating prior to approving individual dates. This helps ensure she is comfortable with the idea of being alone with a male date. Suitable venues include church youth group activities and school functions. Consider chaperoning periodic group events to observe her overall maturity and interactions with males.
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Express your expectations about her dating behaviors. Base your arguments on biblical scripture to add credibility to your positions. Suitable references include Proverbs 4:23, which stresses the importance of guarding your heart, and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which describes the nature of love. Explain the importance of resisting temptation and staying true to her firm moral beliefs. Stress the importance of building friendships with dating partners, instead of basing relationships on superficial factors.
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Encourage teen girls to maintain high personal standards. Realize that teens may be under increased pressure to engage in risky behaviors. This includes rebelling against parental guidance and following the often-unsavory behaviors of the "in crowd." Let teen girls know the importance of maintaining self-respect and moral character while dating.
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Ask for her opinions about dating. Listen without interrupting to create a positive atmosphere. This commitment to constructive dialogue sets the stage for mutually beneficial interactions. Encourage teen girls to read the Bible and pray for guidance regarding dating issues. Avoid coming across as too authoritative, as this can trigger adverse feelings.
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Discuss the consequences of engaging in destructive dating behaviors. Realize that real-world issues, such as pressure to engage in premarital sex, can cause conflicting feelings. Explain that Christian dating experiences should involve more than worldly conversations and activities. Encourage teen girls to date guys who share their passion for Christian ideals, as this can lead to rewarding experiences.
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Ensure that teen girls understand the significance of dating from a Christian perspective. Encourage them to test their relationship interactions against relevant biblical scriptures. Keep teens encouraged to study their Bibles and to seek your advice about dating issues.
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Tips & Warnings
Requiring that potential dates pass your "inspection" can help your girls find suitable partners.
Avoid judging your teen's attitudes about dating too harshly, as doing so can cause her to stop confiding in you.
