By Katy Siwirski The season of love is in full swing, and your teenager may be experimenting with dating for the first time. It can be an exciting time, but also a very unsettling time. Teenagers are typically in an immature mindset, and they may not make the most rational decisions or know how to p...

By Katy Siwirski

The season of love is in full swing, and your teenager may be experimenting with dating for the first time. It can be an exciting time, but also a very unsettling time. Teenagers are typically in an immature mindset, and they may not make the most rational decisions or know how to properly treat their significant other. Here are some tips and some signs to look for to ensure that your teen is in a healthy relationship.

At a young age, it can be hard to differentiate between what’s right and what’s wrong. When it comes to relationships, just remember to be yourself! Be honest, have trust, and communicate well. Your relationship should feel well-balanced and equal, not eerie and unsteady. Your significant other should make you feel safe and secure. You should be able to rely on each other to talk about your problems. Your teenage years can be filled with drama and problems, so having someone there to fall back on during the hard times is a strong upside. Being equal in a relationship is also important. This means sharing the power, and not bossing each other around. Equality can also refer to sharing communication efforts. If you call or text your partner often, but they don’t seem to have time for you, your relationship may be unequal.

It’s healthy to argue from time to time because disagreements give you a chance to explore different perspectives and express your feelings. If you are fighting all the time, or saying cruel things, then you should express some concern. It is important to remember that physical violence is never OK, and should be reported if it arises. If you are fighting online, it is still important to be fair. Be respectful, and think before you send the message. Once you send it, you can’t take it back. If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online.

With the season of love being in full swing, it is important to take extra precautions with your teenager’s love life. Pay attention to the people around them, and ensure that their significant other is in the swing of things, as well. As a parent, don’t be afraid to stand up and ensure the quality of your child’s life and the people they choose to have in it.