How to Spot a Teen's Destructive Relationship
Being a teenager can be turbulent enough without adding the extra stress of a relationship. However, exploration of interpersonal relationships comes with the territory, and you should know the signs that your teen may be in a destructive relationship. Follow these tips to spot a teen's destructive relationship and help them navigate adolescence.
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Instructions
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Show restraint. Everyone must learn from his own mistakes and too much interference can alienate the teen further. As a parent, it can be hard to learn the balance between being your child's friend and not parenting too much.
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Determine whether your child has been maintaing her grades. Take an interest in your teen's assignments. Find out what she's working on and ask to see her test scores.
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Meet the person he is dating. Expect some resistance and don't act judgmental once you meet the person. Your disapproval can foster the teen's attraction. Assess the person and ask if you can meet the other teen's parents some time.
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Pay attention to your teen's phone and socializing habits. Notice whether or not your teen has begun to exclude most of his friends because of his current romantic relationship.
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Note whether your teen seems to be excessively sad while remembering that most adolescents are moody. Ask how her relationship is progressing and pay attention any defensiveness or excessive secrecy. If she doesn't want to talk, that may be a red flag.
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Know that teen girls are more prone to entering destructive relationships. Be aware of possessive or abusive boyfriends. Look for signs of isolation from her schoolmates and social life. Spot decreases in self esteem, drive, school or athletic performance. Sudden weight gains or losses could signal trouble.
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Tips & Warnings
Be aware of large age gaps between the teen and his partner, since it can be a sign that something is wrong. Of course, judge this issue relative to your teen's maturity.
Get the teen to rekindle friendships she might have lost as a result of the relationship. Friends can provide support that parents can't and they may be able to talk her out of the destructive relationship.
Encourage your teen to continue participating in any activities that he enjoyed before the relationship began. The interaction he finds in sports or clubs will help him to avoid isolation and depression. If you have an artistic teen, encourage him to continue his art.
