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Special Topics: Adolescent Health
Adolescent Relationships
Kelsey Cunningham, Former Extension Associate, Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
School is just around the corner. If you are the parent of teenagers, this means new back to school clothes, new sports equipment, new high school schedules, and… new relationships.
Even though the thought of your teenager dating might make you uneasy, your teenagers are anxious to develop new relationships and have new experiences. Therefore, there are a few things you can do to keep the lines of communication open with your teen and to help them learn how to develop and maintain positive and healthy dating relationships.
First, be clear about boundaries and expectations. Teenagers who know what to expect from their parents think twice before engaging in risky dating behavior.
Second, model healthy relationships for your teen. Practice using good listening skills and empathy with your own partner. Teenagers need to see what a healthy relationship looks like in order to have one in the future. Unhealthy relationships and abuse are cyclical. If you are involved in an abusive relationship, the chance that your teenager will be involved in one dramatically increases.
Finally, engage your teen. Take the time to listen when they talk about new feelings and interests. Support your teen by asking questions about his or her relationships. When your teen feels supported, he or she will be more likely to come to you when they have a question or concern.