Navigating the teen stage without a manual can already feel overwhelming and daunting, even annoying (c’mon, let’s keep it real!). However, it can get even more interesting when we start to talk about romantic relationships with teenagers.
Let’s face it head-on, shall we? There are already hormones raging everywhere (and let’s not forget all the clothes left on the bed or the floor in their rooms!), their little brains are becoming bigger brains, and the brain centres for emotion regulation are somehow being infiltrated with bigger new emotions that they do not have the language to describe yet. They are going through growth spurts and physically looking in the mirror, seeing and experiencing new bodily changes. For a second, as parents, let’s cut them some slack—they are actually going through a lot!
Also read: Having Tough Conversations with your Child
With all this happening, they are also having to manage the relationships around them—believe it or not—they are also learning how to manage their relationship with you—the parent who birthed them! They want to protect you from heartbreak (and save themselves from a lecture!) but also not be the uncool kid who tells mummy or daddy everything.
Secondary school age is usually a time when we begin to hear of the idea of relationships with kids—so how do we handle this topic of dating? Here are a few questions to consider:
Have we ever discussed dating, and have we set out appropriate guidelines around dating that fit our family values?
Does my teen understand the laws of the land around relationships, dating, and sex?
How do I keep an open line of communication with my teen concerning dating?
What other questions do you think are important to consider?
We will be diving into this at the Kiro konversation: Troubleshooting the teenage years event online Thursday 6th March.
Book your space HERE!
