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When it comes to dating, we need to prepare our teens by teaching them about relationships as to what is acceptable and what isn't. We need to help them set standards and expectations for themselves and to educate them on the signs of an abuser. Here are some tips as to how to prepare them.
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Set Standards - Before they begin dating, sit down with them to establish what standards they are willing to accept as far as treatment from the other person. Determine what is acceptable and what isn't. (Check their Rights below...)
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Establish Expectations - Ask what the teen expects of the other person in regards to values and morals. Pre-determining these expectations will get the child to start thinking about what the relationship is about.
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Determine how teen views self - Is the child dating someone to gain a reputation or to be popular? Make sure they are dating someone to help enhance their own growth and value, not because it is cool or because everyone else is doing it.
Courtesy of the San Ramon Valley Soroptimist Club and The California High S-Club, here are some tips to be aware of when dating:
Your child has a "right" to:
- be treated as an equal
- make decisions about their own body
- choose their own friends
- end a relationship
- be loved in a caring way
- be happy
- be treated with respect
- express their own thoughts and opinions
- live without fear or intimidation
- feel good about themselves
- spend time by themselves
- choose what to wear
- make decisions for themselves
- say no
- change their mind
- spend time with their family
- be safe
- private use of their cell phone or computer
- spend time doing things of interest to them
For more information, go to www.loveisrespect.org, or call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline - 1-866-331-9474.
Stay tuned for next month for
clues to an abusive relationship!
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Click on "Newsletter Archive" to read past articles of "Something to Think About..."
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