Dating Your kids

My wife and I have been dating our kids for years. While this may sound a bit odd, let me explain.

We started dating our kids years ago and will continue to do it as they grow up. Our intentions are to spend intentional teaching time with our children while also showing them how the opposite sex should treat one another.

While my children are eleven, eight, and four and have no intentions of dating or really even an understanding of it, I find it essential to set that standard for them. As parent’s it is our job to teach our children, so why have so many of us skipped teaching them how to date and how to treat someone of the opposite sex?

This whole idea of ‘dating our children,’ began with my oldest daughter. I wanted her to know how she should be treated on a date and how to be treated by a man. This idea has grown into me taking one of my three children to breakfast every single Sunday. We rotate each week so all three of my children get this special time.

Before I explain how we do these dates, I will note that these dates are very intentional. They are not flippant quick breakfast dates to check the box of being a ‘good parent.’ These dates are a process.

This process begins with always opening the door and helping them in the car, asking intentional questions, and having intentional conversations with them. I do the same thing with my son, so that I may show him how to treat a girl on a date one day. While these dates may seem redundant, time-consuming, or a waste of your Sunday morning usually spent sleeping in, trust me there is so much value in teaching our children intentionally.

These are the two main reasons we take this time each week with our children:

1. 1. We teach our children how they should treat the opposite sex.
   2. We have intentional time with our children.

You don’t have to do this the exact same way I do. Maybe your dates are at the park, a fun picnic in the backyard, or even just getting some ice cream. Find what date ideas work for you and your children. Figure out a consistent time each week to spend this time with your children and impact them forever.