There Must Be Mutual Respect
There are a lot of aspects that go into forming healthy relationships, and respect is a big one. Talk to your child about what respect looks like in a relationship, and how your child and their partner can show you respect. Some aspects of respect in relationships you may want to discuss are:
Respect should be mutual between your teen and their partner in the relationship.
If your child isn't being/feeling respected in the relationship, then it may be best for their mental health to leave it.
Intimate partner violence is not tolerated in any relationship, and your teen should tell you if there are any signs/experiences of it.
Both your teen and their partner should respect your role as a parent.
3. Be Cautious About Virtual-World Dating
There are a lot of dating apps out there in the world, and, of course, there's social media. These offer ways for your teen to meet and connect with new people that they may develop relationships with. If you haven't yet heard of Tinder, you may need to start doing some research. Having a virtual dating world in the twenty-first century brings with it its own unique dating risks. Not to mention potential safety hazards that parents should talk to their kids about.
Take Sending Private Messages Seriously
Your child may be really into having a partner for the first time. Constantly texting, calling, FaceTiming, and everything in between. Teens spend hours online every day, and when your child is talking to someone they feel they can trust, it can leave them vulnerable. Some things you may want to discuss with your teen regarding the virtual world are:
Sending intimate texts
The potential for personal pictures/videos to be shared with anyone and that nothing ever really goes away... it's out there forever
Written material or photographs that someone in one way or another may be able to use against them, or that may harm their future possibilities like college acceptance/job offers
Think Before Sharing on Social Media
Smiling teenage girl using smart phone while sitting on box in city
As a parent, you know that stuff online has a way of resurfacing in the future that may not be in the best interest of your teen. Talk to your child about what is appropriate to post on social media surrounding their partner/relationship in order to protect them. Some topics you may want to discuss are:
Sharing intimate/more daring pictures
Whether they would be okay with family members seeing what they are posting
If you have social media, if you are allowed to 'follow' their partner or like/comment on their posts
What to do if they face bullying/harassment online about their partner or their relationship
4. Intimacy Should Be Safe and Consensual
Ever dread the thought of having to talk to your child about getting intimate with a partner? Of course you have, that's normal. However, even if it's difficult and makes either or both of you uncomfortable, it's a conversation you need to have for many reasons. The bottom line is that if you aren't having this conversation with your teen, then they are going to find that information somewhere else.
To Be Continue Next Part - 3
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