How You Can Help Your Teen Get Out of a Bad Relationship

Help your teen find the strength to leave a toxic relationship.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. As the name suggests, a major goal of this month is supporting teens who are dealing with an abusive or toxic relationship. If you are a parent who suspects that your teen is involved in a bad relationship, then it’s important to take action. Here are some of the things you can do to help your teen find the strength to leave.

• Be a Supportive Listener

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to get your teen to talk about a bad relationship. The best way to get them to open up is by offering gentle support without judgment. If your teen does want to talk, then be a good listener. Do not interrupt to offer advice or make accusations. Let your teen lead the conversation and only offer insight when prompted. Of course, if your teen is in immediate danger, then contact the necessary authorities or emergency services.

• Don’t Give Orders

As a parent, you may have to resist the urge to order your teen to break up with their abusive partner. While you are doing this out of concern, your teen may see this as interfering and shut you out again. For a breakup to be successful, your teen needs to want it for themselves. While it will be difficult, you have to accept the situation and trust that your child knows how to manage it. Continue to offer support until your teen can find the strength to walk away.

• Offer Resources

While it can be hard to accept, sometimes you cannot offer the support or help that your teen needs. If your teen isn’t comfortable talking with you, then don’t take this personally. Instead, do your best to connect your teen with counselors or other professionals that can help them manage their situation. While it’s difficult to step back, it’s important that your teen feels safe and empowered enough to make decisions on their own.

These are some of the things that you can do to help your teen get out of a bad relationship. Want another way to protect your kids and other loved ones? Then make sure you have the right personal insurance protections in place. For assistance with all your coverage needs, contact the experts at Robert J. Los Insurance Agency in Hamburg, New York today.