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Faizan
If your child is considering an interracial relationship, it is important to talk with him about what to expect. In some communities, there is still a stigma attached to interracial dating. While your child may be uncomfortable discussing these issues with you, as a parent it is important to open the lines of communication. If problems develop, your child will feel as if he can safely talk to you without risking judgment or punishment.
Get Things Out In the Open
The first step in a successful conversation about interracial relationships is to explain that it is not racist to discuss potential reactions, challenges and other issues related to dating someone of another race. Racism occurs when a person feels that one race is superior to another. Acknowledging that challenges and differences exist does not mean you or your child is a racist; this kind of open communication, however, is important for a successful relationship.
Avoid Miscommunication
It is easy for teens, who might be experiencing new romantic feelings and anxiety about how they are treated by their parents, to confuse concern and disapproval. Explain what your wishes are for their relationships, such as choosing someone who treats them well or encourages them to be their best. Let teens know that any concern you feel about their relationships has nothing to do with them and the person they are dating, but rather the challenges they both may face.
Let Them Know What To Expect
Your teen may expect disapproval from older members of her family, but let her know that others may feel they can comment on her choices as well. She may be surprised when classmates challenge her choices. Another potential source of conflict is with the boyfriend or girlfriend's family and friends. Discomfort with interracial relationships does not go one way. Explain to your teen that negative pressure can come from many unexpected sources.
Be Supportive
The most important thing you can do to help your teen is to tell her outright that you are supportive of her. Even if you have ambivalent feelings, explain that it has nothing to do with her choice in companions, but everything to do with having concern for the discomfort she will face. Reassure her that she can come to you with any questions or concerns she has, and you will do your best to help her. You want to avoid creating a feeling of "us against them" in your child's relationship, cautions the website, SecureTeen.
Get Things Out In the Open
The first step in a successful conversation about interracial relationships is to explain that it is not racist to discuss potential reactions, challenges and other issues related to dating someone of another race. Racism occurs when a person feels that one race is superior to another. Acknowledging that challenges and differences exist does not mean you or your child is a racist; this kind of open communication, however, is important for a successful relationship.
Avoid Miscommunication
It is easy for teens, who might be experiencing new romantic feelings and anxiety about how they are treated by their parents, to confuse concern and disapproval. Explain what your wishes are for their relationships, such as choosing someone who treats them well or encourages them to be their best. Let teens know that any concern you feel about their relationships has nothing to do with them and the person they are dating, but rather the challenges they both may face.
Let Them Know What To Expect
Your teen may expect disapproval from older members of her family, but let her know that others may feel they can comment on her choices as well. She may be surprised when classmates challenge her choices. Another potential source of conflict is with the boyfriend or girlfriend's family and friends. Discomfort with interracial relationships does not go one way. Explain to your teen that negative pressure can come from many unexpected sources.
Be Supportive
The most important thing you can do to help your teen is to tell her outright that you are supportive of her. Even if you have ambivalent feelings, explain that it has nothing to do with her choice in companions, but everything to do with having concern for the discomfort she will face. Reassure her that she can come to you with any questions or concerns she has, and you will do your best to help her. You want to avoid creating a feeling of "us against them" in your child's relationship, cautions the website, SecureTeen.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
