“Every date is a possible mate.” That’s what I learned as a kid and, frankly, I’ve told my kids that. With prom season ahead of us, I thought I’d be the guy to throw that wet blanket over the prom-dating fire. Frankly, I hate prom season. I think it pressures our young people into situations that many of them aren’t ready for yet. What do I do as a parent? Right or wrong, if they feel the need to go to prom, I encourage my kids to go as a group, preferably as a youth group. That avoids that forced “date” situation and makes it a fun evening with less pressure—all holding each other accountable, which is a great training ground for adult life. Scripture to go with this? “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).

Suggested Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:22,, 1 John 2:1-29