Obviously, we are in the social media world and honestly, teenagers and even children are learning a great deal online; both positive and negative. Therefore, parents must be vigilant, and engage in an inclusive and intentional parenting in every aspect of their children’s life.
We must be involved in our children’s day-to-day activities and social life so as to guide them right; most especially young adults and those in their late teens who want to start dating. A child’s first attempt at anything in life is very important and it is important for him or her to get it right for a solid foundation, self esteem and self respect.
Yes, it is highly recommend for parents to prepare their teenage children for their first date.
While teenagers are string for independence, they often lack the experience to manage complex emotions and boundaries.
Parental guidance, rather than strict control, helps to ensure safety, emotional well-being and development of a healthy relationship.
Today, due to a lot of factors, our teenage and young girls grow up fast and majority of them have stature which make them look way older than their actual age.
Debby then was a jambite, she got admitted into the university straight after her secondary school education. This made her fairly young. Of course, this is the trend in most university campus today. This is as a result of children starting school early and finishing secondary school education early; although there is an attempt by the government to correct this trend.
Back to Debby’s gist; despite the fact that she was young, she had a stature which made her look older than her age coupled with the fact that she’s blessed with good look. This explains why a lot of guys she met on campus, both stalites and jambites wanted to take her out on dates. Her background, however, did not prepare her for dating or any form of interaction with the opposite sex, except with her dad and younger brother at home.
She had no information or knowledge on what to do, what to wear, how to behave and, most importantly, how to handle her first date. She discussed her fears with her friends who weren’t more experienced or better than her. Debby’s dilemma when the opposite sex started inviting her on dates however is as a result of the orientation she had at home.
Hers is a home where sex, sexuality talk and sexual education is a no-go area; a mere mention of such subject attracts a strict penalty and disapproval from her parents. Believe me, Debby is not the only teenager or young adult in this category, even in this social media age where children know more than parents think they do online.
It’s high time some parents stopped living in denial and helpped their teenage children out with skills and instruments needed to navigate in this fast rising world.
Are you a teenager like Debby and you need to know some things about a first date; why not go through these few tips. Funny enough, parents can learn too.
1. Make sure you go on your first date, especially with enough money in your purse or account to cover your transportation to and fro
2. If your date takes you to a restaurant and not a fast food joint, be sure to have at least 15 percent of what you would rather eat. As a young lady, do not offer to pay your way out on a first date, it sends out a wrong signal. That’s why moderation should be your watch word. And as a young man, if your date offers to pay, let her know that it’s your pleasure to pay and be responsible for the outing.
3. Go through the basic hygiene steps before going out, e.g; take a shower, brush your teeth, use mouthwash, wear clean and neat clothes and shoes. Be sure to dress properly, moderately and modestly. A touch of perfume or cologne will add some spice. Use mild perfume, avoid harsh and strong fragrance.
4. Be time conscious; as a guy, if you are going to be late some other time, don’t let it be on your first date.
5. Encourage your date to take you to a place that encourages conversation. And for the guy, a place that is not too lonely and not too crowded and noisy will surely help your relationship to grow. Do not rush things.
6. It is good to plan your outing in advance.
7. Exhibit good manners. The guy should open the car door for his lady friend and let her be seated at the restaurant first.
8. Don’t belch, fart or pick your nose when you are trying to make a good impression.
9. Say “excuse me for a moment” if you need to use the restroom. Enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace; don’t rush.
10. Don’t use your cellphone or text when your date is trying to talk to you, it gives the impression you are not interested in the date.
11. Be polite to servers and everyone at the restaurant.
***Published on April 11, 2026
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