As parents they had begun to lay a godly foundation for relationships when their children were preteens. Watching selected TV shows together provided opportunities for discussions comparing God-honoring relationships with worldly ones. They welcomed their children’s friends to their home (as long as a parent was there) so they could get to know them.

When dating loomed on the horizon, Debbie and Steve, remaining open to input from their teens, established clear expectations, firm rules, and appropriate consequences. So far both Matt and his sister were making good choices.

After making sure there were cold sodas in the fridge, Debbie sat down for a moment. “Father, help my kids choose their friends and their dates wisely,” she prayed aloud. “After all, any date is a potential mate.”

As your children approach the traditional dating years, establish some family guidelines for how you will handle boy-girl relationships. For instance, “group” dating is a good way for teens to mix (as long as the group meets your approval). You will want to establish other guidelines for different situations, such as no car dates until you’ve met the boy or girl at least twice. Let them know you will come and get them without judgment if they feel uncomfortable in a situation.

Consider how you can encourage your children to choose their friends wisely. Teach them to look for godliness, responsibility, respect, and goodness as they choose people to date. Every girlfriend or boyfriend is a potential marriage partner.