Teen Relationships: Parenting & Teen Dating

The Total Transformation Legit or Scam Website would like to recognize Steadyparent.com as a new parenting partner.  Steadyparent.com has granted permission for this Website to post the following article.

Teen Relationships

While substitute teaching in a class today, a student, I will call her Kaylee, asked me to write an article about teen relationships and what parents need to know to help them, as parents, learn more about teen relationships.

The Top Five Things Teens Want Their Parents Need To Know About Teen Relationships

1.  Listen to your teen.  Do not "spaz out" when they share with you that they are in a relationship.  Let your teen do some of the talking and sharing too.
2. Avoid being verbally judgmental.  Teens understand that "good parenting" involves shared concern for teen dating safety.  But, try to avoid making negative assumptions and comments about your teens dates, what they look like and how they appear on the outside.
3. When you see us together, don't try to be like us.  Don't try to be coo and act like a teenager.  You are a parent, not a teen.  This suggestion may keep you from embarrassing yourself and your teen.
4. When discussing teen relationships, avoid sharing stories about your great dating experiences.  Teens want to hear their parents share and ask questions or make comments that bring about "yes" or "no" answers.  For example, "I hope you have a good time."  Approach your teen in this manner and "we may be willing to share more!"
5. Finally, teens know that dating or being in teen relationships can be unsafe.  Most teens are already afraid.  We are afraid of relationship rejections, what others might think about their teen dating, unwanted pregnancy and other teen relationship concerns.  We know you are worried about us and our dating experiences.

Parents, be patient and be open to listening to your teen as he or she begins building teen relationships that includes dating.  Strive to be a open-minded parent.  Strive to be a parent who is there to guide, rather than appear judgmental and one who has all the answer for teen relationships.  As a parent you want your teen to come to you and seek your counsel.  The 5 things that teens want to you to know about their teen dating relationship will help you along the way.

@Suzie