It’s understandable to be a little worried when your child gets into their first relationship. However, keeping the conversation about relationships calm and open will help make sure that your child stays safe.
Healthy relationships are all about respecting each other. Both individuals should feel loved, safe and free to be themselves.
That said, disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour can come in many forms. It might not just be physical behaviour, but emotional and psychological pressure as well. This might be pressure to send a nude picture, or to expect the same things to happen that they’ve seen in a porn film.
It’s important that your child is aware about consent and the legal age for intimate relationships.
Most teenagers would like to talk to their parents or carer about relationships. Here are a few conversation ideas to help you get started.
Interested in finding out more tips and advice on similar topics? Check out ‘The art of listening’ and ‘Communication style – secondary school’ pages.