Most parents and carers can worry about the start of teenage relationships. It’s hard to know how best to support your child when they first start dating.
Some young people show an early interest in forming relationships, while others will start later or not at all. Every child and young person is unique.
Younger children often talk about having a boyfriend or girlfriend. They are copying the behaviour they see from the adults around them.
As they grow older, they may talk more seriously about being in a relationship, but this is likely to take place within a group setting without spending much time alone.
Although your child’s first relationships are likely to be more about friendship than anything serious, it’s good to talk about what a positive relationship should look like from a young age.
You don’t need to sit them down for a lengthy chat, if you (or they) find that uncomfortable. Instead, you could simply point out examples you see on TV shows and in everyday life, and use them to start a conversation. Here are 10 tips to help you talk with your teen.
From around the age of fifteen, many teens start seriously dating. They may feel embarrassed to talk to you or worry you’ll disapprove of their choices, but try to keep the lines of communication open.
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