How do I help my teen build healthy relationships and recognize red flags?
Teen-Specific Questions
Model healthy relationship behaviors, discuss consent and boundaries openly, and teach them to trust their instincts about people.
Helping your teenager develop healthy relationship skills is one of the most important things you can do for their future well-being. Start by modeling healthy relationship behaviors in your own Interpersonal relationship - they learn more from what they see than what you tell them. Show them what respectful interpersonal relationships/improving-communication" class="internal-link">effective communication" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Communication looks like, how to handle disagreements constructively, and how to maintain your own identity within a relationship. Have open conversations about consent, Personal setting boundaries, and what healthy Interpersonal relationship look like. Discuss the importance of mutual respect, trust, and support in all Interpersonal relationship, not just romantic ones. Teach them to trust their instincts - if something feels wrong or uncomfortable, it probably is. Help them understand that healthy Interpersonal relationship should make them feel good about themselves, not constantly anxious or insecure. Discuss red flags like controlling behavior, jealousy, pressure to do things they're not comfortable with, or partners who try to isolate them from friends and family. Make sure they know that they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, and that they should never have to change who they are to make someone else happy. If you notice concerning patterns in their Interpersonal relationship, approach the topic carefully - being too critical of their partner may cause them to become defensive and pull away from you.