Ask yourself: are they crying a lot over their relationship? Are they more withdrawn? Are they still seeing and talking to their friends? Take notice too of how your child’s partner is acting. Are they spam-calling your child multiple times within an hour? Are they questioning your child’s whereabouts or who they’re hanging out with? Beyond the physical signs, these are all indicators that your child may be in an abusive relationship and it is time to step in. If you even begin to question your child’s partner or have safety concerns, always trust your gut. When it comes to relationships, the big things Williams always takes notice of are power and control. Typically, an age difference of three years or more in adolescent relationships indicates an imbalance of that power and control, increasing the risk of your child becoming involved in negative behaviors like physical, drinking, and drug abuse. Setting Strategies Protecting your child from potential relationship issues is a priority, but instilling fear through harsh boundaries may not be the most effective approach. Williams suggests discussing safety
strategies rather than imposing strict “ground rules.” Consider engaging your teen in conversations about personal values and self-respect. You can also encourage group dates to not only enhance safety but also provide peace of mind. Preparing for uncomfortable situations, Williams also recommends the use of “safe words” that can be texted to parents, signaling the need for intervention with minimal questions. Final Words of Wisdom As parents, we know you always want to have your child’s best intentions as heart. As long as you remember to push for open and honest communication, while still giving your child space when needed, you’re setting the stage for healthy relationships, not just for your child and their partner, but that parent/ child bond as well. Dating is a natural part of human development. It helps teens discover who they are and helps them learn how to build social and emotional relationships. “I think the more we encourage healthy and safe relationships to our teens,” Williams says, “We’ll start to see a pattern of safer and healthier adult relationships.”
emphasizing the importance of understanding consent and its revocability in sexual relationships. Parents may find it challenging despite their research efforts, but there are support groups and counselors like Donneisha Williams available to help with any confusion. Searching for Signs You can provide your child with all the tools and information needed to safely tackle the dating world with open arms, but sometimes it isn’t always enough. In the United States, up to 19 percent of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65 percent report being psychologically abused according to the U.S. Department of Justice. While you may have dedicated years to harboring a safe and honest space for your child to open up in, it may be difficult for them to come forward with issues like these. Williams explains how you can often look for physical or behavioral changes in your child’s day-to-day life to determine if they are being abused.
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NOLAFAMILY.COM | FEBRUARY 2024 19
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