Dating and Dating Etiquette Night

Some of your younger girls will be nervous as well as excited as they approach dating age.  Group dating, of course, helps break the ice and relieve the tension of trying to think of something to say and do on a date.  Here are some things we used in a Dating and Dating Etiquette Night. 

If  he asks for a kiss...give him one of these:

Hints and Etiquette:
  Be yourself
  Be polite and pay sincere compliments
  Invite him in and introduce him to your family
  Let him help you with your coat and open doors for you
  Wear modest clothing for ALL occasions
  Be home on time
  If eating out, let him suggest an idea so you have an idea what price range he has in mind
  Have fun and thank him!


Manners:
  Don't do all the talking
  Don't lower your standsrds
  Don't let him honk the horn for you
  Don't keep him waiting
  Don't spend the night talking to friends on the phone or texting other people
  Don't criticize your date or put yourself down
  Don't sit in the car or outside after a date, go into the house to talk.

Talk about:
  What did you do today?
  Tell me about your family?
  Have you always lived in this area?
  What is your favourite subject or who is your favourite teacher?
  What do you like to do?

Inexpensive Dates:
  Picnic
  Inner tubing
  Bicycling
  Games
  A movie night at home
  Breakfast at sunrise
  Nature walk
  Beach
  Skating
  Constellation search
  Free movies or concerts
  Make dinner together and eat on the porch

Standards Night

In raising my daughters and working in YW, I have found that speaking plainly with my teenagers is a policy that works for me.  I do not want them to come back and say they didn't understand what I wanted or expected. I feel that dropping hints leaves too much room for interpretation.  We need to fight the evils in this world with clear-cut boundaries.  Elder Holland gives a wonderful talk, a portion of which is on youth.lds.org.  This, and another video presentation by President Monson, were played at our Stake Standards Night.  These are worth sharing for those who have not seen them.

I love how President Monson reminds us that we are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven! 

Heavenly Father is the author of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet through his inspired prophets.  As parents and leaders, we find our young people are strong-willed.  This is an important characteristic to channel for good.  It can become courage! We can help them find this courage by teaching them and talking with them about the standards their Heavenly Father has set for them.  In gaining a testimony of these principles, these youth can dare to have a purpose, dare to choose the right, and dare to choose the Temple. 

(Many more wonderful videos, talks, and resources can be found at youth.lds.org)