How to Monitor a Teen's Dating Relationship

Teens are exposed to so many exploitive images on television that intimate relationships are becoming a regular part of teenage life. As a parent, you may be concerned that your teen may seek out emotional or sexual intimacy at an early age. While you can't be with your teen at all hours, don't be afraid to monitor the situation.

Instructions

Help Your Teen With Dating Relationships

1. Establish house rules that include appropriate rules for dating. Consider your teen's age when making your house rules. For example, younger teens may be allowed only on group dates with a parent providing transportation, while an older teen could be allowed a one-on-one date with someone you have met and approved.

2. Talk about using good judgment. Discuss what it looks like to make good decisions in difficult situations.

3. Explain and discuss your standards with your teen. Parents can mistakenly expect teens to know what their limits are. Be clear when sharing your expectations.

4. Set a curfew and stick to it. Ask your teen if there will be adults present if he is going out on a date.

5. Open the communication lines. Make sure your teen has a way to talk to you about a dating relationship when she feels unsure, pressured or confused.

6. Try not to overreact when a negative situation arises--for example, if your teen misses curfew or lied about where she was going or whom she was with. Deal with the immediate situation first and the consequence second.

7. Censor your response. Your teen is watching your body language and listening to what you are saying. If he senses disapproval, you may not get the chance to have an open dialogue with him.

Support Your Teen Anytime of the Day or Night

1. Be prepared to pick up your teen anytime of the day or night. If your teen is in a negative environment, she needs to know it is okay to call mom or dad for help.

2. Teach your teen what emotional abuse looks like. For example, he should never feel threatened, humiliated or controlled by his partner. Let him know he can come to you if he is feeling pressured in his relationship to do something that makes him uncomfortable.

3. Monitor your teen's computer use. Don't be afraid to check the monitor and see what she is doing. Online websites and chat rooms can reveal some surprising details that can provide insight into your teen's relationships.

4. Lend a shoulder to cry on. A teen who is trying to get over a broken heart will need your strength and positive support.

Tips & Warnings

• Form a strong parental relationship with your child. You can help establish open two-way communication if you foster healthy parental roles early on.