10 Questions to Ask Your Child's Date

1. Keep the shotgun locked up
   We all know the story of the Dad with the shotgun on his lap. While it might be your gut instinct, it is best to forgo that technique. However you can use it to inject humor. “Do you like to hunt son? I own several weapons. Maybe I’ll show them to you one day.”

2. The basics
   Be sure to ask for his/her cell phone number, address and the names and phone number of his parents. If they are driving, be sure to note the make and model of the car and the license plate number. This is common sense and just a good safety habit. 

3. Why?
   Start with, “Why are you interested in dating my child?”  Then, sit back and listen.  Glare if you need to.

4. Religion
   You may or may not be a religious person yourself, but it would be good to know the beliefs of the person going out on a date with your child. Does he belong to a particular religion? Does he attend worship on a regular basis? If he is of a different religion than your family, ask how his parents feel about that. Of course, use your best manners and tact with these sensitive questions.

5. The Future
   “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” We all want our kids to surround themselves with quality people who make future plans.  If your child’s date seems shiftless, that’s a warning sign. 

6. Hobbies
   “What do you like to do for fun?” He might be into sports, or music or maybe art. Having insight as to how he spends his free time gives you a clue of his personality type.

7. Date outline
   You will certainly want to know where your child intends to take his/her date. Will they being going to the movies? Maybe they are going to a concert. Find out exactly where they will be and set a firm time to arrive back home.

8. The great protector
   As a father, you would do anything humanly possible to protect your child from harm. Be sure her date feels the same way. Will he take care of her as you would? 

9. Respect
   Will he show your daughter the respect she deserves? Will he bring her home when he said he would? Being respectful ranks high in the list of important traits of a strong character. 

10. Virtue
    It is quite safe to say that any father wants his daughter to be of sound virtue. Naturally that translates to the boy she dates as well. Does he believe in abstinence? 

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