How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Date

Dating can be a very exciting time in you and your child's life. It can also be a very alarming time. There are so many things you will need to tell your child, but I must say that this is not anything that should be crammed down your child's throat at the last minute.

Before dating there should be preparation. There are a few things you would want to tell your child prior to dating age, so when the time comes it will not be new to your child.

One of the first things you would want to do is to establish a curfew. This will teach your child responsibility. Let them know that they have a certain time to be home and you expect them to honor that time. Parents if you have daughters it is not old fashion for the young man to come to the door. She should not run out when he blows the horn. This will allow you to see who your child is going out with.

Let your child know that they are not to ride with anyone who has been drinking and then decides they want to drive them home. If they are placed into this situation let them know that it is OK to call you. Make sure that they have a cell phone, money to call home or cab fare.

Reiterate to your child that they have a mind of their own and do not let anyone talk them into doing things they know is wrong. Teach them that when it comes to their safety and well being they will not jeopardize their life or anyone else's. Sure we all make mistakes, but it is not good to make hasty and blunt choices that will change their life forever.

Teach them at an early age to pick their friends wisely. The kind of friends that they hang around with will determine their future. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. If they tell you "all of my friends are doing it." Tell them "to find some new friends."

Let your child know that when they are out on their date never place their beverage down and walk away. This has happen to so many people. They go back and drink it and someone has placed some type of drug in it. If they do walk away and was not watching their drink, tell them not to drink it.

You can even role-play by asking them what would they do if they were in this situation, or how would they handle it if this happened to them.

Make sure that you communicate with your child. That is the key. Let your child know that they can always come to you no matter what. It is OK to be their friend as long as you make it clear to them that you are their parent first.

Dating does not have to be a nightmare it can be an exciting venture in you and your child's life.