Posted on April 5, 2008 in Latest News
Dating in the teenage years is one of many ways to promote healthy development among teens. Programs serving youth and their families can promote a positive emphasis or resilience perspective on teen dating. However, the problems of dating in adolescence should not be overlooked in curricula/programming that serves teens. And, there are other ways to promote positive youth development, especially in the younger teen years.
Programs for parents of teens benefit from including teens in the program–in other words, promoting healthy parent-teen interaction.
Inform teens of educational opportunities and responsibilities that prepare them for adulthood. When youth are focused on their vocational and academic growth, they are less likely to turn to romantic relationships and risky behaviors to feel “grown up.”
Ideally, parent-teen programs should focus on building parent-teen bonds, fostering communication, and bolstering parental monitoring and support of teens.
Developing these parent-teen relationship assets helps teens to build healthy relationships outside the family unit.
The relationship between parents or a parent and a romantic partner also sets an example for teens. Family programming should focus on strengthening relationships
between parents and between parents and teens. Moreover, parents can be encouraged and motivated to set an example of healthy adult relationships with their teens.
Dating during adolescence poses both promise and problems. Understanding the impacts of dating on early, middle, and late teen years can help parents in their communication with teens. Strengthening family communication benefits families in many ways, including promoting healthy, happy teens.
Source: UFL
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