Student Exchange Programs

I guess it’s pretty normal for dads to be protective of their daughters–especially since we were all boys once and know what boys think about!

If we help raise responsible and good girls, are we justified in worrying about the boys they date? And do we sometimes expect or want too much when our girls date?

A little background–all my kids are boys, but this year we are hosting two foreign exchange students, both girls. One is dating a very nice young man. I find myself feeling a little jealous.

This girl is very sweet, and is very much like a daughter to me. Since I haven’t had the benefit of raising her from a baby, how can I handle my feelings about her falling in love with him (which seems to be happening.) Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy if she’s happy and it’s cute as anything I’ve ever seen, but I still worry a little.
All five of our sons are grown and two are married. One is still at home, but he is more of a brother to these two girls.

One girl is not dating at this time and the other is dating a pretty nice kid. And I am happy for her.

And I am not a basket case about this, but I’m just wondering how fathers of dating daughters handle their feelings in these situations. It might help me better deal with my own feelings.

By the way, good first answer, and pretty much how I feel.