It only seemed yesterday when you where holding your child in your arms. How fast they grow up! Most parents have some fears of the day their child will start dating. It is the big sign that they are entering adulthood. But it’s important to remember that they do still need you now and this is a normal development phase of the teen years. Here are a few things you can do to help make dating easier for both of you.
Talk to your teen about what a good relationship is. While you may think your teen already knows how to date, they probably don’t. Most of their information comes from media that’s meant to be entertaining, not realistic. Make sure your child understands what it means to be in a loving and supporting relationship. Once you’re done talking, set a good example in your relationship with your significant other. It is important to set a good example and be a powerful role model for your child.
Once your child starts dating, don’t stop talking to them about [tag-tec]relationships[/tag-tec]. Dating doesn’t always go as you expect; your child may need someone to come to if they have a problem. You need to keep the lines of communication open and also reiterate to them how they should treat people and expect to be treated in a relationship.
When it comes time to meet your [tag-cat]teenagers[/tag-cat] date, be kind and respectful. While you may want to give a lecture on the rules; their date is not the one you should be talking to. It is your teen’s responsibility to know your rules and follow them. Also, while you may not like the person your child is [tag-ice]dating[/tag-ice], be supportive. If you have taught them about a proper relationship, then you should trust them to make their own decisions. Only intervene if you think the relationship is dangerous for your child.
As a parent, it is important for you to recognize the danger signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. If you have a concern, talk honestly with your child and ask other’s for help. Here are some clues that your child’s relationship may be in trouble.
- Constant visits and phone calls
- Having to report where they are and what they’re doing
- Signs of physical abuse
- Signs of depression
Parenting can be very challenging during the teenage years It may be hard to see your child growing up and finding new people to get close to, but if you take the right steps and teach them how relationships are supposed to be, they’re much more likely to make the right choices.
When should I start talking to my teen about dating?
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Before and as they begin. Most teens don’t actually know what a healthy relationship looks like, because much of their information comes from media made to entertain rather than to be realistic. Talk with them about what a loving, supportive relationship really is, and set a good example in your own relationships.
How should I act when I meet my teen’s date?
Be kind and respectful. As tempting as it is to lay down the rules, their date isn’t the one to lecture. It’s your teen’s responsibility to know and follow your rules. Even if you’re not thrilled with the person, staying supportive keeps your teen comfortable coming to you.
Should I step in if I don’t like who my teen is dating?
Only intervene if you genuinely believe the relationship is dangerous for your child. If you’ve taught your teen what a good relationship looks like, trust them to make their own decisions, and keep the lines of communication open so they’ll come to you if a problem comes up.
What are warning signs of an unhealthy teen relationship?
A few clues to watch for: constant visits and phone calls, your teen having to report where they are and what they’re doing, signs of physical abuse, and signs of depression. If you’re concerned, talk honestly with your child and don’t be afraid to ask others for help.
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