While the teenage years can be a time of growth and exploration, they are also a time when young people may find themselves in their first romantic relationships. It is important for parents to talk to their teens about how to have healthy relationships, both physically and emotionally. Understanding the basics of how to navigate a relationship as a teen is key to setting up positive habits in adulthood.
Encourage Open Communication
Open communication is essential in any relationship and is especially important between teenagers. Teens should feel comfortable talking with their partners about anything that is on their minds; this includes discussing feelings, boundaries, preferences, values, and expectations.1 Encouraging your teen’s partner to do the same will help them form a stronger bond and better understanding of one another. This can be difficult for some teens who are not used to being open with people, so parents should provide advice and support on how to approach these conversations in an honest way.
Set Boundaries
Another important part of having a healthy relationship as a teen is setting boundaries around physical intimacy. Teens should be aware of what they are comfortable with before engaging in any physical activities with their partners.1 Parents should make sure their teens understand the importance of consent and respect when it comes to physical interactions with another person. Additionally, teens should make sure they understand the local laws regarding the age at which sexual activity is allowed or prohibited.
Practice Self-Care
It’s vital that teens practice self-care while in relationships as well as when they’re single—this includes taking care of their mental health, physical health, and emotional well-being. Parents can help by encouraging their teens to take breaks from social media or texting if needed and focus on activities that bring joy such as reading or playing sports.1 Taking time away from screens can also help reduce stress levels associated with dating pressures or cyberbullying from peers. Additionally, making sure your teen has access to counseling services if needed is beneficial for anyone going through tough times during this period of life.
As parents, it’s important we talk openly with our teens about what it means to have healthy relationships whether it be friendships or romantic partnerships. Encouraging open communication between partners and teaching them about boundaries around physical intimacy helps create strong foundations for future relationships down the line; emphasizing self-care practices like taking breaks from technology brings balance between digital life and real-life experiences; providing resources such as counseling services helps ensure our teens have support when needed during this formative period of their lives. Setting these guidelines now will help our teenagers become confident adults who know how to cultivate strong connections built on respect and trust!
ReferencesLyness, D. A. (Ed.). (2017, February). Am I in a healthy relationship? (for teens) – nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/healthy-relationship.html
