Steve Irwin's Daughter Bindi Jokes Father Didn't Want Her to Date Until 40

— -- Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi might be 16, but the young woman is years away from dating, she says.

"I want to encourage other young girls not to grow up too soon. Just enjoy the now," she told People magazine. "It's so easy for 16-year-olds, including myself, to say, 'I just wish I were an adult.' But we can't wish our lives away. When we're adults, we'll say, 'I wish I were 16 again.' "

In fact, Irwin joked about what her famous father wanted for her in her personal life.

"Dad said I can't date until I'm 40," she joked to the magazine. "So maybe I'll just focus on my studies. It's a long way off."

Her mother Terri added, "Teenage boys are scarier than crocodiles."

It's safe to say, Bindi's mother is proud of her daughter and "her life choices."

It's been more than 8 years since Bindi lost her father when he killed after being struck by a stingray.

"At some point, you have to realize that life does carry on," she continued. "You'll always carry a part of that person in your life. I realize that Dad would have wanted me to be happy."