{ resolve } It is our job to monitor these early dating relationships and make sure they are safe. It’s important to recognize that intimate relationships at any age exist on a continuum. The best relationships are healthy and feature: mutual respect, a spirit of cooperation and support, the ability to navigate conflict, and consent.
themselves particularly after interacting with their dating partner. 2) Watch for changes in behavior like dropping out of activities that matter to them, changing how they dress, or how they spend downtime. 3) Listen to how they talk about their partner, if they say things like “he needs me” or “she’s great but…,” these are important warning signs.
What can I do as a parent? The single most important thing you can do is keep the lines of communication open
with your teen; be observant and present. Pay attention to how your teen is responding to the relationship. Are they generally happy or anxious? If you can, get to know their dating partner and their family. When they fight, even if it’s often, don’t rush in or pry. Fights visible to you, unless they are physical, are probably not abuse. Teens will hide the really bad stuff. Look for non-confrontational ways to find out how they are feeling. Most kids would rather talk to you about their feelings then be interrogated about what happened.
If you have reason to be concerned, find a gentle way to point out what you’re seeing. Explain why you’re concerned and remind them that you love them and just want them to be happy. If you issue ultimatums, be ready for your teen to dig in and take their partner’s side. This can be tricky. If there are indications of violence and abuse, or your teen is seriously depressed, talk to a domestic violence professional or call 911.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: AUGUST 2017
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