How Parents Can Help Teens Avoid or Overcome Dating Violence

It is the nightmare of every parent to know that his/ her child has been the victim of some form of abuse. In the context of teenage life, such an abuse may take the form of dating violence, the kind of abuse your teen may get from someone he/ she may regard as a romantic interest. Although parents may worry excessively, it is sometimes difficult to prevent such occurrences. Perhaps some parents may resort to such drastic means short of putting a leash on a son/ daughter to prevent them from becoming victims.

Being overly strict however, may not be such a good idea. Adults who have once been teens should remember that the teenage stage is when a person seeks to expand his/ her social horizons beyond family and friends. It is ultimately the time when people seek to first form friendly or romantic attachments that may ideally lead to intimate relationships in later adolescence. Going out on dates and being exposed to elements of the opposite sex are normal human eventualities and parents should realize that there is absolutely no way to stem this fixed course.

Parents therefore can only hope assist their children in the crucial years of their adolescence and hope in some way to at least prevent violence. What should parents do?

The first step a parent should take should have been taken even before a son/ daughter reaches early adolescence. This is because the crucial first step involves nurturing and maintaining healthy communication lines with your children. A child who is listened to and who in turn also listens will most likely be a teenager who will be easy to communicate with. Although this is not easy to achieve, it is best accomplished by making your child feel that he/ she is loved and that he/ she matters.

Once your teen develops a need to communicate with you, take the opportunity to ask him/ her how he/ she is doing in school or among friends. Try to ask for details on romantic attachments. It is important however, not to sound too prying. A teenager who suspects that he/ she is being snooped on, may close up even from a trusted and beloved parent.

If your child is difficult to communicate to, keep your eyes and senses peeled for indicators that your child may be abused. Obvious physical signs include cuts and bruises which girls may try to cover up with make up or clothing. Watch out too for uncharacteristic changes in behavior which may indicate that something is going on with your teenager.

When you get to the truth of the matter, it is better to adopt a gentle and accepting manner rather than going gung ho on your teen. Tell your child that he/ she is loved and that you will be able to help if allowed to. If your child pushes you away and refuses to open up, implore your child to seek expert help or at least see another trusted adult who may be able to help.