Knowing the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships helps teenagers understand what actions are appropriate and inappropriate. By getting teen relationship advice, you can prepare your teenager to navigate all kinds of relationships in healthy ways. Some ways that teen relationship advice can help you and your family include:
Improving Healthy Communication
Healthy communication allows people to express their opinions and feelings in a constructive manner. When conversations break down because of yelling and accusations, progress cannot be made, resentment can build, and relationships may end. Teaching your teens methods of healthy, productive communication sets them up for future success in their relationships.
Communication happens through spoken word, written word, and body language. Knowing how to effectively convey your message through words and body language creates a space for healthy conversations. Through healthy dialogue, teens now express issues they are having at school or work, with friends, and with family members. Some options for healthy communication advice to give teens are to check in with their feelings first, start with the small things, and take a break when needed.
Recognizing Abuse
Abusive and unhealthy relationships commonly present multiple red flags, whether these flags appear from the start or much later on in the relationship. When abuse starts small or happens gradually, red flags are harder to recognize. Teens should ask themselves questions like:
- How do I feel after spending time with this person?
- Am I myself or do I change when I’m around this person?
- Do I feel uncomfortable or unsafe when I am with this person?
Abuse presents verbally, physically, emotionally, or as a combination of the three, and the goal is to cause harm in some way. It can happen online or in person. It can happen to anyone regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or romantic orientation. By teaching teens about red flags, they can avoid abuse and focus on fostering healthy relationships. When teens recognize red flags and abuse, they will know to reach out to a trusted individual and get help.
Understanding Healthy Relationships
A healthy relationship happens when there is open communication, acceptable boundaries, and trust between both parties. Open communication allows space for both parties to speak their part without fear of backlash or judgment. Acceptable boundaries are about setting a standard for behavior and the consequences if that behavior happens. Healthy boundaries are not about control but about staying physically and emotionally safe. If a relationship does not have equal trust on each side, insecurity and frustration often grow.
Giving teen relationship advice should include teaching them how to have a healthy conversation, how to set good boundaries, and how a healthy relationship feels. Teens should ask themselves these questions when determining if a relationship is wholesome:
- Do I feel safe around this person?
- Does this person make me want to be a better version of myself?
- Am I able to share my thoughts and feelings honestly around this person?
When teens understand what a healthy relationship looks and feels like, they are able to recognize the green flags in their friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships. By learning early on about green flags, teens are set up to make good decisions for their relationships. They know healthy ways to act and won’t fall into unhealthy habits.
Learning How to Advocate for Yourself
Part of advocating for yourself is setting healthy boundaries and sticking to them when the lines are crossed. This might be something like a family member hugging you even after you have expressed disliking being hugged. Another part of advocating for yourself is learning healthy coping strategies.
Healthy coping strategies are useful for times when you are having a difficult conversation or when you are feeling overwhelmed, angry, or another strong emotion. These strategies may be going for a walk to cool down, doing an activity that requires mental concentration and physical actions, or talking to a trusted friend. Learning healthy coping mechanisms allows teens to come back to the situation calmly.
Get Teen Relationship Advice Online
Giving teen relationship advice involves teaching them about how healthy and abusive relationships differ, how to set boundaries, and why communication is necessary for good relationships. Teens can access relationship advice online to learn more about how to navigate difficult situations where they feel unsafe or uncomfortable talking about certain topics in person. Start talking with your teen today or find resources online to help get the conversation started.
