As your child matures, it is important that you open the discussion not only about sex, STDs and preventing pregnancy, but also about love and relationships.

Things to consider when talking to teens about dating:

• Let them know you have expectations and rules about their relationships because you care about them. Start the discussion early and continue even after they’ve begun to date.
• Use teachable moments in their life or pop culture to point out what is healthy and unhealthy in relationships. For example, if they mention that they no longer get to hang out with a friend because they are always spending time with their new boyfriend or girlfriend, talk about what’s a healthy amount of time to spend with your significant other.
• Know the signs of dating abuse and talk to your teen about how to recognize when a behavior is healthy or unhealthy. Loveisrespect.org offers warning signs of abuse and guidance on leaving an unhealthy relationship. 
• Teach your child about healthy relationships. They should feel free to speak up, they should respect their partner, compromise, be supportive and respect each other’s privacy. For more on healthy relationships and communication, check out Loveisrespect.org. 
• Acknowledge that sometimes dating can come with rejection. Let them know it is OK to feel hurt or sad if things don’t work out, but that they can talk to you or other trusted adults about their feelings.
• Talk to them about peer pressure and partner pressures. Find out what their friends and classmates think about dating. Let them know it is OK to say no to a date or an outing, and it is always OK to say no to being more physical than they are comfortable with.

Teen Dating Resources