It might be more common that we sit down with our teens when we see an unhealthy relationship they have, whether with a sibling, friend, or romantic partner. This doesn’t have to be the case. A discussion on healthy relationships can be had without strife. Think about how your child views themselves – are they overly critical? Can they self-regulate their emotions? Are they open to others sharing their space and expressing emotion? How do they treat themselves in good and bad times?
Having healthy relationships is not just about romantic attachments. Children first learn how to have healthy relationships through those they have with family and friends. Additionally, a large part of having good relationships with others comes from having a healthy relationship with themselves. These are aspects of healthy relationships that are important for all relationships. (more…)