Prevention Strategies for ParentsConversation Cards

Communication

Any successful communication depends on the ability to listen. This is especially true when it comes to communicating with your teen because teens often feel that the adults in their lives don’t listen to or don’t understand them. The more we listen to what our teens are saying, the more we’ll learn about them, and the more open they’ll be to sharing! Listening isn’t the same as agreeing. You can understand and respect your teen’s point of view without agreeing with it.

Healthy Relationships

Knowing what your teen values in a relationship is important for discussions on healthy relationships. You can start the conversation by asking open-ended questions like “How would you want a boyfriend/girlfriend to treat you?” or “What does a boundary look like in a relationship?”

Dating Violence

Dating violence can be a difficult topic to discuss. Still, it is important you discuss dating violence even if your teens are not yet dating. Educating them upfront can help them understand warning signs. These conversations with your teen can also demonstrate that you are someone who will support them.

Impact of Social Media

Examples of controlling behaviors on social media include:

• Demanding passwords or pressuring exchange passwords as a way to prove there are faithful
• Reading or accessing their social media accounts without permission
• Continually texting or calling and becoming angry if there is no response. Similarly, your teen is afraid of what might happen if they do not answer the call or text.

Mindful Parenting

What are you waiting for? Do something good for yourself right now! Whether it’s making the doctor’s appointment you’ve been pushing off, wearing an outfit that makes you feel good, or just drinking a glass of water. Self-care is for all of us, no matter what age.

Self-care for Teens

Ask your teen how they are feeling, what is difficult about their lives, or if they would like some time to take a break? Teenagers are in a weird space where they’re growing out of childhood and into adulthood. New responsibilities mixed with differing maturity levels makes for much of the stress you as a parent are probably feeling right now. They must know self-care is important.