How to Help a Child
Teenage years are a crucial point in your child’s life. Being educated is key to helping them understand and recognize Teen Dating Violence. Here are some Warning Signs, Tips, and Resources to best support your child.
Noticeable Warning Signs:
Decreased time spent with family or friends
Lack in responsibilities
Change in appearance
Lack of interest in hobbies, extracurricular activities
Grades dropping
Decreased sense of self
For more information read our blog post: Warning Signs of TDV
When talking to them:
Have an open and honest conversation. Express your concerns in a matter of love and compassion.
Placing blame or showing anger won’t help them, it could potentially add onto any blame/mental abuse experienced in the relationship.
Believe what they say and take it seriously.
Try not to minimize their feelings about the relationship. All ages, genders, and sexualities can experience abuse.
Mention some warning signs, and explain why they are concerning. Discuss potential outcomes.
Talk about Healthy Relationships and traits.
Let them know there is help and they are not stuck or alone.
“Though 82% of parents feel confident that they could recognize the signs if their child was experiencing dating abuse, a majority of parents (58%) could not correctly identify all the warning signs of abuse.”