"Is it OK for my Daughter to go to a School Dance with a Non-Catholic Boy?" (The Patrick Madrid Show)

On The Patrick Madrid Show, Nichole from Sacramento asks if her 14-year-old daughter can attend a school dance with a respectful classmate who is Christian, not Catholic. The boy knows she cannot date yet, offers to go in a group, and has asked to learn about the Catholic faith. Patrick praises Nichole's prudence and says nothing she described raises red flags for a school-sponsored dance with chaperones and parent rides. He recommends no one-on-one “dating” at 14, favors a group, and stresses the need to set kind and clear boundaries. Patrick suggests the daughter tell the boy, in a friendly way, that any interest in Catholicism should be for Jesus and truth, not to “win” her. Conversion must never be a bargaining chip. Parents should watch for that dynamic and keep the relationship at the level of friendship. He encourages the mother and father to guide their daughter through this stage with vigilance and kindness. Teens gain freedom in steps, based on maturity, and parents loosen ties little by little. Patrick wraps up by affirming that this season can be a beautiful time of growth for teens and for parents. Practical guardrails Patrick recommends: -Choose a group over a pair. At 14, keep it social and supervised. -Use chaperones and parent rides. Safety and accountability help everyone relax. -State faith boundaries clearly. The boy’s interest in RCIA or Mass should be for God, not romance. -Keep it friendly. No exclusive talk, no “claims,” no pressure. -Monitor and adjust. Grant freedom in small steps as trust grows. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.