Conversations about relationships, dating, and intimacy need to start early (probably around the age of eight years). These chats need to happen so we can educate our children about how to have healthy relationships.

So, how do you broach the subject? Chat with them about things like:

• The purpose of dating.
• How old you both think someone should be before they start dating.
• Whether dating should be exclusive, or whether dating should be more about getting to know people.
• What people do on dates – and what they don’t do.
• The relationship between trust and intimacy (both emotional and physical), and the risks that are part of the deal.

These conversations are crucial for sharing your values about relationships with your kids.