04:25
Faizan
Teen relationships are tumultuous. The recipe for trouble comes from the raging hormones and an undeveloped sense of self that most teenagers are experiencing. As an outsider looking in, you can expect to see your teen cycle through a few relationships as she learns about what she is looking for and who her ideal match is. Much of this is normal, but occasionally these relationships delve into the realm of dysfunctional -- and even dangerous.
The Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 10 high school students will experience physical abuse at the hands of a romantic partner in the course of a year. In groups of adult victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by a partner, 22.4 percent of women and 15 percent of men report having first experienced an abusive relationship during their teen years. The CDC also reports a range of 15 percent to 40 percent of young people admitting to committing violent acts against a romantic partner.
Recognizing the Signs
Child and Adolescent psychologist David Paltin encourages parents to be aware of signs that could indicate a problem is occurring in your child’s relationship. Is she becoming more critical of herself or engaging in frequent arguments with her boyfriend? Does she seem to suddenly be keeping things from you or succumbing to controlling behavior from her partner? Other signs to pay attention to are your teen avoiding friends and social activities and losing interest in hobbies she once enjoyed.
Intervening
Paltin explains that teens don’t always have the skills to remove themselves from circumstances that are harming them, and parents might need to intervene if the dysfunction escaltes. This can start with having an open discussion with your teen about some problem-solving skills, using examples from your lives to help her relate. Rather than imposing rules about not dating at all, Paltin recommends having a frank discussion with your teenager about how she can end a bad relationship.
Promoting Healthy Relationships
In order to encourage your child to engage in healthy relationships, Paltin recommends setting limits with love and support in mind. If you witness your teen engaging in a phone call that is escalating in anger, ask her to end it. Explain to your child why removing herself from such a circumstance is the healthy response. Avoid anger as you attempt to guide her, ensuring that she understands your concern stems not from judgment, but rather from an understanding of what healthy relationships look like. Then discuss those traits with your teen, and point to examples of other couples you both know who she might be able to look to in the future.
The Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 10 high school students will experience physical abuse at the hands of a romantic partner in the course of a year. In groups of adult victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by a partner, 22.4 percent of women and 15 percent of men report having first experienced an abusive relationship during their teen years. The CDC also reports a range of 15 percent to 40 percent of young people admitting to committing violent acts against a romantic partner.
Recognizing the Signs
Child and Adolescent psychologist David Paltin encourages parents to be aware of signs that could indicate a problem is occurring in your child’s relationship. Is she becoming more critical of herself or engaging in frequent arguments with her boyfriend? Does she seem to suddenly be keeping things from you or succumbing to controlling behavior from her partner? Other signs to pay attention to are your teen avoiding friends and social activities and losing interest in hobbies she once enjoyed.
Intervening
Paltin explains that teens don’t always have the skills to remove themselves from circumstances that are harming them, and parents might need to intervene if the dysfunction escaltes. This can start with having an open discussion with your teen about some problem-solving skills, using examples from your lives to help her relate. Rather than imposing rules about not dating at all, Paltin recommends having a frank discussion with your teenager about how she can end a bad relationship.
Promoting Healthy Relationships
In order to encourage your child to engage in healthy relationships, Paltin recommends setting limits with love and support in mind. If you witness your teen engaging in a phone call that is escalating in anger, ask her to end it. Explain to your child why removing herself from such a circumstance is the healthy response. Avoid anger as you attempt to guide her, ensuring that she understands your concern stems not from judgment, but rather from an understanding of what healthy relationships look like. Then discuss those traits with your teen, and point to examples of other couples you both know who she might be able to look to in the future.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
