Talking to Teens about Relationships

Relationship is a new concept to teenagers,  so when there are signs that their relationship is unhealthy, they may be oblivious to what is happening.

 

Whether you like it or not your teenagers are going to be interested in relationships,  so it’s imperative that parents and big brothers/sisters have open conversations about what a healthy and unhealthy relationship look like not only to educate them but to prevent them from being in an abusive relationship. 

 I was just on a reminisce earlier today and I laughed at some stupid things I now tagged "youthful exuberances".

Sharing passwords, their location and keep their read receipt on, It’s crucial for young ones to feel just as connected in the digital world as they do in the real world.  

Let your teens know that having passwords and beinging their partner’s cover photo on a social  media account isn’t as meaningful as they think. 

Plus, they aren’t obligated to provide any digital information to prove how committed and trustworthy they are. It’s important for teenagers not to think that these things help solidify their relationship. 

If their partner tries to convince them otherwise,  then it’s important that they know that is a problem.

Clingyness Is Not Cute

Teenagers are convinced that their partner wanting to be around them at all times and know their whereabouts is a sign of how much that person cares about them.  Wrong. 

Please talk to your teenagers about how a partner being clingy is a red flag. Being clingy can be a sign of insecurity and can lead to them being controlling.  

I’ve often heard younger ones in relationship say that their partner doesn’t want them going out without them or at all. It’s a warning sign but they are so inexperienced and blinded by infatuation that they are enamored instead of alarmed.

Like Yourself First

Low self-esteem is prevalent among young black girls. They often enter relationships seeking validation from their partners and this makes them more vulnerable to experiencing dating violence. If they feel being in a relationship makes them valuable, they will hold on to the relationship no matter how unhealthy it is. 

Talk to your teenagers about how they feel about themselves. Help them boost their confidence and self-esteem so they don’t get into relationships seeking validation from anyone except themselves.

There are many other things to school your kids about when it comes to safe dating  like manipulation, gaslighting and isolation. Talking to teens about dating may be uncomfotable, but it’s essential to teach them what is acceptable and not acceptable and for them to know when they are in a potentially dangerous relationship. 

Ensure that your teens understand the importance of physical and emotional safety in relationships. Help them understand that other aspects of their life should continue to thrive (education, friendships, family relationships, recreational  activities,  etc) when they are in a relationship. Overall, it’s crucial that they are healthy people who know how to engage in healthy relationships.