Roughly one out of every three Americans experience their first relationship in their teens. Some of these relationships don’t last long, while others are ongoing. Some teenagers have relatively healthy relationships with their partners. However, others get into toxic situations that harm them significantly—they need teenager relationship help. Helping your teen in a relationship can be essential regardless of their situation. In some cases, you can do this on your own. But in others, you may need the help provided by a teen relationship therapy program. You can contact Imagine Fort Collins today at 888.291.2309 to learn more about helping your teen navigate relationships and how we can help in Colorado.
Helping Your Teen Navigate Relationships—Familiarize Yourself with the Facts
You may have preconceived notions about teenagers in romantic relationships. But do these notions match up with the realities of today’s world? Let’s dive into some of the findings of recent research.
It is no surprise that older teens have more experience with relationships than younger teens. Over 40% of older teenagers have had a romantic partner. However, only 20% of younger teenagers fall into this category.
What about sex in teen relationships? You may be surprised that most dating teenagers aren’t sexually active. Only roughly 30% are. As with dating, the likelihood of having sex increases with age.
Toxic relationships are another critical thing to consider. Relationships of this type get their name because they negatively affect at least one partner. Research shows that about a third of all teenagers will experience such a situation. About one out of every 12 teens will experience physical and sexual violence in a relationship.
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Healthy Teen Dating
When thinking about helping your teen in a relationship, it’s essential to keep one thing in mind. Despite the potential risks, many teenagers benefit from their dating experiences. A healthy relationship can help your child:
- Gain important emotional support
- Form a healthy overall identity and sense of self
- Sharpen their communication skills
- Interact with you in more positive ways
- Develop healthy patterns for adult romantic relationships
However, even a generally positive relationship can produce some adverse effects. For example, your child may find it harder to concentrate on schoolwork. They may also isolate themselves from their non-romantic friendships. A healthy relationship may come with significant periods of conflict and emotional stress. What’s more, your child may face the risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.
Helping Your Teen in a Relationship—Talk to Your Child
You may find it difficult to talk about relationships with your child. However, these kinds of conversations can be crucial. That’s true because you can use them to do such things as:
- Better understand your child’s point of view and experiences
- Share your values regarding healthy relationships
- Make sure your child understands the warning signs of toxic relationships
- Talk about the risks of sex, even in a healthy relationship
- Set ground rules for what you consider acceptable and unacceptable for your child
- Answer any questions your child may have about relationships or sex
While helping your teen navigate relationships, you may also decide to discuss your own past experiences.
Enroll in Professional Teenager Relationship Help at Imagine Fort Collins
In some cases, teenager relationship help offered by you might not be enough. This is especially true if your child is involved in a toxic dating situation. Helping your teen navigate relationships may require a professional solution in these circumstances.
At Imagine Fort Collins, we feature comprehensive mental health resources for teens. That includes support for teenagers involved in toxic relationships. The therapy we provide can help your child escape harmful situations and develop healthier patterns in the future. Call our team today at 888.291.2309 or contact us online.