Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
(1 Tim. 5:1-2)

Many parents wonder what is the right age for dating. I think it depends on the child's maturity. I also don't think that they need to rush into dating because of all of the emotions that are involved.

If you allow your children to begin dating at a young age, they will also learn the cycle of breaking up and moving on to another person. This cycle only prepares them for divorce.

How? They've learned that if they aren't satisfied or like where a relationship is going, instead of trying to work it out, they can leave.

A healthy, romantic relationship can only be built on the firm foundation of friendship. By first developing a friendship with the opposite sex, your child can enjoy the person's company without any pressure.

Friendship will last even if the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship doesn't.

My husband, Creflo, regularly takes our daughters out on dates. He opens the door for them and treats them like ladies.

He does this so that when they do start dating, they will know the manner in which they should be treated by men—with love, honor, and respect.

If the young men don't treat them the same way their dad does, they know the guys aren't worthy of their time. Parents, I encourage you to do the same with your children.¹

Make Your Day Count

Make a date with each of your children, one at a time. Spend part of that time teaching them how to treat the opposite sex and how they can expect to be treated. Talk to them about having respect for themselves and others. Practice manners and good communication skills.
¹ Taffi L. Dollar Changing Your World Magazine (Sept. 2003) p. 14.

Source: Make Your Day Count Devotional for Mothers
by Lindsay Roberts
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers