As children approach the teen years, the need to be “part of a group” is stronger than at any other age. Friendships become closer and more important and play a key part in allowing teens to sort out who they are and where they’re headed. This is normal. Sometimes parents feel neglected. Sometimes they worry about the influence of friends. Peer pressure can be good and it can be bad. Good communication is key to supporting your teen in making good decisions about friends.
In Over 2 U, students wanted to have more opportunities to regulate choices about spending time with family and doing things with friends – more than some parents felt they could give them. This is also normal and part of the “push and pull” of growing up that we want to know more about.
Tips for helping your teen build healthy relationships:
- Set good examples by modeling healthy relationships and boundaries
- Teach interpersonal skills
- Get to know your teen’s friends and their parents
- Help adolescents nurture positive friendships
- Have open communication and trust your teen to make good decisions
Additional resources on relationships in adolescence:
Office of Adolescent Health: http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/healthy-relationships/
Palo Alto Medical Foundation-ABCs of a Healthy Relationship: http://www.pamf.org/teen/abc/
