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Faizan
Your adolescent may want to explore the dating scene before you think she's ready, partly because teens mature physically before they mature emotionally, states extension educator Kathleen Olson, with the University of Minnesota Extension. Because teenage dating can be an obstacle course, it's important to understand the possible rewards and dangerous pitfalls that your teen may encounter. Armed with relevant information about teenage dating, you'll be ready to engage in meaningful conversations with your teen, while supporting her and monitoring her dating experiences.
Communication
Open the lines of communication between you and your teen to maintain a supportive and close relationship, advises Kate Fogarty and Donna Davis, with the University of Florida Extension. Use effective listening skills to help your teenager feel comfortable talking and confiding in you. Effective listening involves minimizing distractions, maintaining eye contact and resisting the urge to judge and criticize. Instead, gently ask open-ended questions to help your teenager think about issues objectively. For example, you might ask your teen if she has specific desires or plans regarding dating. You might also ask your teen what she would consider a good date.
Expectations
Develop expectations about your teen’s dating activities so you can present them and discuss them. For example, you may decide to heed Dr. Phil’s advice and make a policy that your teen cannot begin dating seriously before age 14. You might institute policies about curfew as well as single and group dating for your teenager. As you develop these expectations and rules, keep in mind that instituting overly restrictive rules may incite rebellion in your teenager.
Abuse
Abuse and violence can occur in teen dating relationships, so it’s important to raise your adolescent’s awareness about these issues. Talk with your teen about what constitutes a healthy relationship between people who care about each other, advises the Start Strong website. Mention important factors such as mutual respect and valuing others to help your teen develop strength and self-confidence while respecting others at the same time. Talk about the symptoms of an abusive relationship, including imbalanced power and control, intimidation, stalking and violence, advises a brochure published by the New Hampshire Governor’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Sex
It’s imperative that your child has factual knowledge about sex before she hits the teenage years, advises psychologist and educator Anita Gurian, with the New York University Child Study Center. Your child’s knowledge about sex must involve more than just physical information – it should include the emotional aspects of an intimate relationship as well. Make sure your child understands all the nuances of sexual activity, including various forms of sexual contact. Don’t forget to talk about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy as well.
Communication
Open the lines of communication between you and your teen to maintain a supportive and close relationship, advises Kate Fogarty and Donna Davis, with the University of Florida Extension. Use effective listening skills to help your teenager feel comfortable talking and confiding in you. Effective listening involves minimizing distractions, maintaining eye contact and resisting the urge to judge and criticize. Instead, gently ask open-ended questions to help your teenager think about issues objectively. For example, you might ask your teen if she has specific desires or plans regarding dating. You might also ask your teen what she would consider a good date.
Expectations
Develop expectations about your teen’s dating activities so you can present them and discuss them. For example, you may decide to heed Dr. Phil’s advice and make a policy that your teen cannot begin dating seriously before age 14. You might institute policies about curfew as well as single and group dating for your teenager. As you develop these expectations and rules, keep in mind that instituting overly restrictive rules may incite rebellion in your teenager.
Abuse
Abuse and violence can occur in teen dating relationships, so it’s important to raise your adolescent’s awareness about these issues. Talk with your teen about what constitutes a healthy relationship between people who care about each other, advises the Start Strong website. Mention important factors such as mutual respect and valuing others to help your teen develop strength and self-confidence while respecting others at the same time. Talk about the symptoms of an abusive relationship, including imbalanced power and control, intimidation, stalking and violence, advises a brochure published by the New Hampshire Governor’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Sex
It’s imperative that your child has factual knowledge about sex before she hits the teenage years, advises psychologist and educator Anita Gurian, with the New York University Child Study Center. Your child’s knowledge about sex must involve more than just physical information – it should include the emotional aspects of an intimate relationship as well. Make sure your child understands all the nuances of sexual activity, including various forms of sexual contact. Don’t forget to talk about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy as well.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
