Who’s Modeling Relationships for Your Teen?

Why does having 20 women toss themselves at a guy in hopes of finding lifelong happiness qualify as subject matter for primetime television? How can a 72-day fling be called a marriage?

Every time I turn on the TV, I get more frustrated with how celebrities and the media portray relationships. What’s worse is that a lot of teens and young adults are shaping their ideas about what a “normal” relationship is from what they see. 

A real relationship takes commitment and a lot of work if it’s going to develop into something that’s healthy and positive. I’m concerned our kids aren’t getting that message from the media and are not hearing about healthy relationships from their family or church.

At Boys Town, many of the boys and girls in our care come to us with a skewed view of relationships. No one has taught them how to protect themselves, both physically and emotionally, from people who might want to use them. Our caregivers work with these children every day to help them establish safe boundaries and identify what is appropriate behavior and what is not. 

Sit down with your teen and talk about what a healthy, positive relationship is. Discuss situations teens may find themselves in and how they can respond when something makes them uneasy.

You can find tips and advice to help broach the subject of relationships and dating with your teen on Parenting.org. 

Most importantly, let your teen know that you love them and that you are always there to listen and answer their questions. The best way to model a healthy and positive relationship starts with you.