Talking to your kids about TDV and Healthy Relationships
It’s never too early or late to discuss topics such as healthy relationships with your teen. Even if your teen is not in a relationship, talk to them about steps to take to prevent dating violence and how to have a healthy relationship:
- Research teen dating violence and healthy relationships (get the facts) before you initiate the conversation.
- Ask questions and encourage an open discussion.
- Avoid interrupting, lecturing and use of judgmental gestures, and give them the opportunity to speak.
- Talk about options your teen has if they have witnessed or experienced dating violence.
- If your teen is in an uncomfortable relationship and they are afraid, assure them they can come to you for help.
- Provide examples of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Use examples on television, movies, music, or videos.
- Remember to drop everything and pay attention to your teen if they need help in a relationship.
- Contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-500-1119) for more information and find out if there are dating violence prevention programs in your community.
- Be aware of your child’s online activities and cell phone use, and educate yourself on how technology can be used to control someone in an abusive dating relationship.
Parents should feel comfortable talking to their teens about healthy relationships and teen dating violence.
Here are some links to helpful resources to get you started:
https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/child-adolescent-psychiatry/