It takes far more maturity than most 12- to 16-year-olds have to see that words and actions need to match.

Train your teen to look for outward qualities that indicate inner character, like a good reputation at school, a self-controlled mouth, and wise driving habits, to name just a few.

And it was a good opportunity for them to practice their manners and learn how to behave in formal clothes. A teenager going on a first date at 17 is certainly not the norm in our culture.

But many experts agree that early dating is not a good idea.

Usually Bill and his daughter made small talk on their brief ride home. Bill was concerned about the growing emotional distance between them. for now.” A tense silence filled the car as it eased forward and stopped in the driveway.* Bill is definitely a courageous dad, pressing into a relational hot spot where most parents fear to tread.

Sure, he knew this gap was normal for teenagers and their parents. “Okay,” he replied, “I’ll take that for an answer . Although it’s uncomfortable, he’s definitely on the right track.

In junior high, teens don’t have the discernment to know if a friend really is a Christian.

And those first dates were all with friends, not with someone with whom they were romantically involved.

Inner character can’t be seen at first sight, across a crowded room, when you say your first hello.