Daughters and dating: What influence can you have?

Jim A. Talley

It’s still got some great lessons in there for both teens and parents.

If your daughter is already dating and you haven’t done some of the foundation work, don’t give up.  If you are a parent, take time to interact with the dates your daughter is having.  Make it required for her dates to spend a dinner  or time with the family so that you can get to know the person who is influencing your daughter’s life.  Ensure that their character and spiritual pursuits  line up with those that you have for your daughter.  I have had many a conversation with a parent that is disappointed with their daughter’s choice to date a non-believer. I wonder what conversations happened before that daughter began dating that helped her know what to look for in a guy.  Thankfully my mother began having those conversations with me early on.  She let me know that she prayed for my future spouse.  Hearing that my mom was praying for my future spouse made me want to do the same thing at an early age.  I am so thankful that she did that because I can see those prayers answered in the person I married today.  Make plans to pray for your daughter audibly about the people who will influence her heart.  Tell her what things you are looking for in a guy for her way before she meets a “lloyd” who knows he only wants to “hang with your daughter.”