Parents & teens,
It's finally here! For years I have been speaking around the country on the topic of dating for ladies & gentlemen. Often, after I speak, parents come up to me and ask things like, "Do you have anything written that covers what you just spoke about? I want my spouse (or teen) to hear this information too. It will help us so much."
Finally, I can answer, "Yes." Let me start by saying that this book does NOT in any way condone teens (anyone under the age of 18), getting involved in romantic relationships. I feel so strongly that this behavior is extremely dangerous and destructive to our teens both spiritually, emotionally and sometimes even physically. In this book, dating is the idea that when our children are old enough (hopefully 16 or older), they can plan safe activities where they invite someone of the oppositie sex to attend the activity with them. Parents are extremely involved in this process and parents and teens plan together what this will look like and involve.
Parents, I have been there. I know your fears. This book will give you and your teens a starting place to discuss expectations, goals, purpose, fears, safety plans, and many other ideas that help build unity and love between you and your teen. These years can be so much fun and can lay the groundwork for you and your teens to have close, open and honest relationships now and in the future. But, you must have a framework to build these relationships on.
This book also includes over 20 ideas for safe, fun and creative dates. You will love this book and your teen will love it even more. This book will go into great detail about what is expected from gentlemen and ladies. This book will help teens to understand the great responsibility that each of them have in protecting the virtue and reputation of their friends whom they choose to invite to activities. This book will be very frank about the dangers of physical affection and why engaging in physical affection before the age of marriage can lead to heartache and distrust. This book is about honoring self and God. This can be done while having a wonderful time and learning how to be a gracious and polite date. This book will be a cherished read by parents and teens.
Please, don't wait another day to make sure that both you and your teens are on the same page regarding expectations on dating. Not talking about it is the worst thing that can happen. This book will help you be open and honest. I can't wait for you to experience this read with your teens. Order today!
Here's an excerpt from the book:
Hello, parents and young people. I dedicate this book to you and to all those who are striving to live clean, honorable lives. Over the years, I have spoken in various settings on my family’s experience in managing the dating years with our son, Sawyer. So often, after these speaking engagements, many people come up and ask, “Do you have any written information on what you spoke about today? I need more.” Others would explain that they needed something written, so they could take their time absorbing the information, praying over it, discussing it with their spouses and then discussing it with their children. Finally, I can answer, “Yes.”
Parents, please know that I realize how sensitive this topic is. I know how scared you are. I know that what we really want to do is lock our children up and let them out when they’re about 25 years old; as you know, we can’t. I want you to know that the Lord does not want us to live in fear. We know that fear is the opposite of faith, which means fear does not come from the Lord.
We also know that the Lord has commanded us to strive to be clean. I want for my children what you want for your children, and that is for them to be happy. I also want them to be obedient to the Lord and his commandments. I know that my children have a greater chance of happiness if they follow the commandments and strive to make righteous choices.
I believe strongly that the Lord has provided a path for his children to be successful at living the Gospel of Jesus Christ without living in a bubble. In fact, I don’t think it’s possible to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ inside a bubble. I also believe that the Lord wants what you and I want for our children, and that is for each of them to have a happy and healthy marriage, when possible. I believe that our job as parents is to teach them the principles that will give them the greatest opportunities for success in their marriages.
Of course, there are no guarantees, whether we are Christian or not, that our marriage will be happy and whole. However, what we know is that the likelihood of a happy and whole marriage increases drastically when founded upon the principles and teachings of Jesus Christ. As we help our children understand these principles, we will help them increase their chances for success.
Dating has a purpose. Dating, when approached with true purpose, righteous guidelines and honorable intentions, can be a lovely experience for all and can lay the groundwork for finding a true companion. I hope you will prayerfully read this book with your spouse and then allow your young teens and older teens to read it. This book needs to be read before the age of dating so that there are clear guidelines, expectations and an understanding of the purpose of dating. The sooner, the better. Once you have read it, you will know the best time for your child or children to read it.
As stated on the back of this book, the way I would recommend moving forward, after you and your spouse have agreed this will be a blessing to your child, is for parents and children to read a chapter a week together. Then, sometime over the weekend, discuss with your children what was in the chapter, the discussion questions and any concerns or points of interest anyone has. I would highly recommend that these discussions do not become times to lecture. If we want open honest relationships with our children, we must create an atmosphere where they can feel safe to share their feelings, especially their feelings that do not agree with ours. Would we rather not know about these differences, which leads to secrets and eventually resentments, or can we trust in the Lord and create an open and honest dialog?
Parents, this really can be fun for all of you. I can’t wait to tell you about our experience with our son’s dating years. It was a family affair. I do wish I had had daughters, too, but the Lord never blessed me with a daughter, at least not yet. Even though my experience is with a son, I believe strongly that these guidelines and principles apply equally to daughters. I do have nieces and many, many friends with girls, and I have worked diligently to consider the young ladies in dating as well. I think you will be more than happy with this book, whether you have boys or girls. Get excited!
This guide is going to help you to identify topics that need to be discussed, before any dating occurs. It’s going to give you great ideas and things to consider when pondering the how to, when to and “if we should” questions. It’s going to help you consider areas of safety that need to be understood and how to develop a safety plan, so all of you can feel at peace regarding your children’s dates.
Parents and teens, please read this manual prayerfully and with an open mind. Ask the Lord, before you start, to help you identify principles that are true and good for you and your family. If there is anything in this manual that is not good for you and your family, ask the Lord to help you see those things as well. We do not have to be afraid, as long as we are seeking the will and mind of God. I pray that you will find what you need to find and that this guide will be a blessing to you and your family.
This dating guide for moms, dads and teens will increase:
- Unity between parent and child
- Understanding of God’s purpose in dating
- Safety
- Fun
- Balance in relationships with the opposite sex
- Responsibility, honor and integrity
- Calm
And it will dispel fear.
Dating does not have to be scary, uncertain and dangerous for young people. When parents and children stand together and are unified in the purpose of dating, dating can be fun, rewarding and a stepping stone to finding a true companion.
