Bethany's Blog

Your Teen is Being Hurt: What You Can Do to Help

2/21/2015

Tips for parents whose teenager is in an abusive relationship

My last post was about signs your teen might be a victim of teen dating violence. If this is happening in your family, here are some ideas of where to start as a parent.

Listen. Let your teen know you are willing to listen to them. It is important for them to understand that you can listen, no matter how hard it may be to hear what they say.
When they are ready to talk, let them. Ask how you can help.

Photo Credit: Dollar Photo Club

Pay attention. If you see something, say something. This can be tricky when you want your teen to know you are a safe person to talk to. Calm language works best when you believe you have witnessed abuse or can see injuries from abuse.

Set healthy boundaries around the relationship. Demanding that your teen end the abusive relationship may not have the impact you expect. In fact, it may have the opposite effect and drive the relationship u. Instead, supervise your teen and their boyfriend or girlfriend when they are together in your home. Discourage activities that would allow the pair to be unsupervised in other environments. Encourage activities that include family members. Talk about healthy boundaries and be there to support your teen as they make a decision for them self.

As an extra, here is an excellent workbook from the Love is Not Abuse Coalition. It will help you talk about dating violence with your teens. It can also be used in conversations with younger children who are not yet dating.

Teen Dating Violence Handbook for Parents
File Size:	132 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.
She is passionate about helping teens and families be happy and healthy!

Your Teen is Being Hurt: What You Can Do to Help

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