Dating is something that many parents feel unprepared for, yet our kids may already be sizing up potential dates to the next school dance. They were our babies just last year – or even just last month! Now, for the first time, they are facing the unknowns of romantic relationships. There are so many new ways for kids to form romantic attachments today than when we were kids. Things like “d8ing,” a relationship based almost exclusively on communication via texting; “Facebook official;” sexting; and “date rape” drugs are things we didn’t have to navigate during our early teen years. What’s a parent to do to keep their child safe, emotionally and physically?
Some studies have shown a risk factor for kids who date at young ages. But there are plenty of great sources of support for us parents facing these worries with our kids. There’s even a free program online by the CDC on teen dating violence prevention.
Talk to your child about what makes a relationship healthy and how to recognize the red flags of an unhealthy one. Loveisrespect.org is a great resource to review with your child to spark productive, nurturing conversations. Ask open-ended questions about what they think about relationships, and listen actively and without judgment to their responses. How do you think your child might answer a question like, “What are your top three ‘non-negotiables’ for dating someone?” Does your kiddo have ‘non-negotiables’ for dating?
We cannot control our kids, but we have significant positive influence over them. In the Active Parenting of Teens workshops, sponsored by DrugFreeAZKids.org, we talk about specific ways to grow that influence and ten strategies parents can use to minimize the risks their children are facing. Also helpful is our webinar, “Prevention: What’s Love Got To Do With It?” that explores the connections between substance abuse and relationships.
You are a major protective factor in your child’s life. And we at DrugFreeAZKids.org are here to help you with the most important job you’ll have in your lifetime. Educate yourself and influence your child!
