Most parents have some fears of the day their child
will start dating. It is the big sign that they’re
growing up and are entering adulthood. But it’s
important to remember that they do still need you now
and this is a normal development phase of the teen
years. There are also things you can do to make dating
easier for both of you.
Talk to your teen about what a good relationship is.
While you may think your teen already knows how to date,
they probably don’t. Most of their information comes
from media that’s meant to be entertaining, not
realistic. Make sure your child understands what it
means to be in a loving and supporting relationship.
Once you’re done talking, set a good example in your
relationship with your significant other.
Once your child starts dating, don’t stop talking to
them about relationships. Dating doesn’t always go as
you expect; your child may need someone to come to if
they have a problem. You need to keep the lines of
communication open and also reiterate to them how they
should treat people and expect to be treated in a
relationship.
When it comes time to meet your teen’s date, be kind and
respectful. While you may want to give a lecture on the
rules; their date is not the one you should be talking
to. It is your teen’s responsibility to know your rules
and follow them. Also, while you may not like the person
your child is dating, be supportive. If you have taught
them about a proper relationship, then you should trust
them to make their own decisions. Only intervene if you
think the relationship is dangerous for your child.
As a parent, it is important for you to recognize the
danger signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. If
you have a concern, talk honestly with your child and
ask other’s for help. Here are some clues that your
child’s relationship may be in trouble.
- Constant visits and phone calls
- Having to report where they are and what they’re
doing
- Signs of physical abuse
- Signs of depression
It may be hard to see your child growing up and
finding new people to get close to, but if you take the
right steps and teach them how relationships are
supposed to be, they’re much more likely to make the
right choices.
