Skip To Main Content

Custom Class: header-utility-outer

Custom Class: header-utility-bar

Custom Class: hp-utility-est

EST. 1976

Custom Class: utility-shield-icon

shield_divider.png

Taboo Series: How to Talk to Your Teen About Dating

Though parents have many enjoyable and engaging conversations with their children, some topics can feel more difficult to approach. Conversations about friendships, attraction, dating, boundaries, and physical affection may leave parents wondering: What do I say? When do I begin? What if I say the wrong thing? Often, this hesitation comes from not knowing which words to use, or even how to begin. For many parents, teen dating can feel like a topic that arrives too soon.

Edited-1158-2

So, how can parents approach dating at a young age while also teaching children to establish healthy, age-appropriate boundaries?

Rather than becoming overwhelmed, parents can simply start the conversation. When children have a comfortable, judgment-free space to share what is happening in their lives, parents are better positioned to address difficult topics without the fear of saying the wrong thing. Although young relationships may seem to develop quickly, a child’s relational formation begins much earlier as they navigate social circles, build friendships, and form deeper connections with others.

In a recent episode of the From The Mount podcast series, Taboo Topics, host Steve Kyle spoke with New York Times bestselling author Mo Isom Aiken about teen dating, emotional boundaries, and healthy relationships. Their conversation encouraged parents to see dating as more than a social milestone. It is an opportunity to help young people steward their hearts, choices, and relationships with wisdom. As Kyle explained, “God cares deeply about the stewardship of relationships” and the hearts connected to them.

Edited-1534-2-2

Faith and Relationships

As Christians, God encourages us to find community and form bonds with one another. We are meant to be a relational people. Throughout the Bible we are called to love one another (Proverbs 17:17), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), be honest with each other (Proverbs 27:6) and find wise companionship in friendships (Proverbs 13:20). It is in our spiritual DNA to find bonds with those around us. Naturally, children will grow in affection with one another.

Rather than waiting until a child expresses interest in dating, parents can begin everyday conversations about what it means to be a good friend, how to recognize respect, and why personal boundaries matter. Kyle pointed out that Deuteronomy 6:6–7 offers a helpful model: God instructs parents to teach His ways diligently throughout everyday life whether at home, on the road, in the morning, and at night. Faith-filled guidance is not limited to one formal conversation. It grows through ongoing, honest connection.

These conversations help children develop language and discernment before emotions or social pressure make decisions feel more urgent. Parents might ask:

  • “What do you think makes someone a trustworthy friend?”

  • “How should someone treat you when they care about you?”

  • “What should you do if someone pressures you to do something that makes you uncomfortable?”

  • “What does it look like to respect another person’s boundaries?”

 

2026-08-28 Football v Darlington_25

Slowing Down With Intention

In a culture that often treats dating as an expected rite of passage, it is easy for families to fall trap to the patterns set by friends and classmates. Instead of parents following the trends or rather prohibiting dating for all, parents are called to rely on biblical principles rather than allowing peer culture to set the pace. Aiken explained that many young people enter relational and sexual experiences before they are emotionally ready, often because of unhealthy attachments, validation-seeking and emotional dependence. She urged parents to help teens slow down and approach relationships intentionally, protecting them from forming “ungodly soul ties.”

By helping children understand that their value comes from God and not from attention, romantic relationships, or another person’s approval, they can learn how healthy earthly relationships can reinforce that truth. Urging parents to help children distinguish between feelings and wisdom, Aiken explained that “emotions are great indicators, but they are not our God.” Pausing to consider what is honoring to God can help teens make decisions rooted in discernment rather than pressure. 

FirstDayofSchoolMC-573

How can parents encourage their children to prioritize relationships in a way that follows biblical principles?

— With Friendship: Encourage your children to join in on group activities, grow bonds with friends, and get to know their peers.  (Proverbs 27:17)

— With Openness: Establish regular conversations with your children, creating a safe place to talk about crushes, disappointments, social conflict, boundaries, and pressure. (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)

— With Discernment: Guide children into recognizing whether someone is kind, truthful, respectful, and aligned with core faith values. (Proverbs 13:20)

— With Boundaries: Model how to establish strong age-appropriate boundaries for going out with friends, phone and screen-time allowances, social media, and physical affection. (Proverbs 4:23)

— With Accountability: Know who your children are spending time with, meet friends when possible, and keep communication open. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

— With Affirmations: Celebrate the wins! Let your children know when you’re proud of them and the way they handled certain situations. Allow moments to highlight to your children that they are making the right choices when it counts. (Proverbs 16:24)

— With Grace: Remember that things don’t always go as planned. No one is perfect. By working within ourselves to respond calmly to questions or mistakes with your teen, they will seek help rather than hide the problems they face. (Ephesians 4:32)

— With Prayer: Show your children how to stay in conversation with God. Model the way of communicating in faith by praying with your children on their friendships and forming relationships. (Philippians 4:6–7)

2026-09-04 Football v NCCS_131-2

Teen dating is not merely about attraction or social status. It is about identity, wisdom, emotional health, and faithfulness to God's design for relationships. Any form of relationship in a young person's life should bring them closer to Christ, not further away. That standard helps families evaluate not only dating, but also the emotional patterns that often accompany it.

Parents are honored and called to guide their children in their walk with Christ in discretion and with wisdom so that friendship, love, and future relationships are rooted in Truth rather than pressure. Parents do not need to control every decision, but they do need to remain engaged, available, and spiritually attentive. Through open conversation, consistent guidance, and prayer, parents can help their children grow in the discernment and confidence to honor God in every relationship.

 
Diana La is the Assistant Director of Communications at Mount Paran Christian School. 
WingTips banner

WingTips

Welcome to WingTips, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders.

Subscribe Here!

    Recent Posts

Learn More About MPCS

Recommended Series

PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER:

PARENTEd. TALKS:

COLLEGE SERIES:

FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK:

CHRISTIAN LIFE:

Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.