How you can support your teen if they are in a toxic relationship.
February is Teen Dating and Violence Awareness Month. A major goal of this month is offering resources and support to young adults who are in or who have recently escaped a bad relationship. If you are a parent who suspects that their teen is involved in a harmful relationship, then your child needs your support more than ever. Here are some of the things that you can do to help your teen.
- Listen and Withhold Judgment
Oftentimes, it can be difficult to get your teen to talk about a bad relationship. The best way to get them to open up is by offering gentle support without judgment. If your teen does want to talk, then be a good listener. Do not interrupt to offer advice or make accusations. Let your teen lead the conversation and only offer insight when prompted. Of course, if your teen is in immediate danger, then contact the necessary authorities or emergency services.
- Don’t Give Ultimatums
As a parent, you may have to resist the urge to order your teen to break up with their abusive partner. While you are doing this out of concern, your teen may see this as interfering and shut you out again. For a breakup to be successful, your teen needs to want it for themselves. While it will be difficult, you have to accept the situation and trust that your child knows how to manage it. Continue to offer support until your teen can find the strength to walk away.
- Offer Resources
Sometimes, you cannot offer the support or help that your child needs. If your teen isn’t comfortable talking to you, then do not take it personally. Instead, do your best to connect your teen with counselors or other professionals that can help them manage their situation. While it’s hard to step back, it’s important that your teen feels safe and empowered enough to make decisions on their own.
These are some of the things that you can do to help your child deal with a bad relationship. Want another way to protect your loved ones? Then make sure you have the right personal insurance in place. For assistance with all your coverage needs, contact the experts at The Schwab Agency in Colleyville, Texas, today.