When Children Become Teenagers, This Is Ortu's Role in Teaching Healthy Love
YOGYAKARTA - Adolescence is a phase when children begin to know about attraction, romantic feelings, and relationships with the opposite sex. In the midst of the increasingly greater influence of social media, their understanding of love often comes from various sources that do not necessarily provide a healthy picture. Therefore, teaching healthy love is one of the important roles of parents when children become teenagers. With the right guidance, adolescents can learn to build healthy, respectful, and responsible relationships.
1. Teenagers learn about love from many directionsToday's generation of teenagers grows up in an environment that is very different from a few years ago. They can get information about relationships and romance with just a few touches on the screen of their mobile phones. From social media to short videos, various views on love continue to emerge every day.
Unfortunately, not all of this information provides the right understanding. A lot of content depicts relationships exaggeratedly, full of drama, or even normalizes unhealthy behaviors. According to Florida-based family and marriage relationship therapist, Chelyn Leeby, Ph.D., LMFT., reported by Psychology Today, Tuesday, June 2, without parental guidance, teenagers may consider these images as the ideal standard of a relationship.
2. Relationship with parents becomes the first lessonBefore getting to know a romantic relationship, children first learn about affection through their families. The way parents listen, respect opinions, and provide emotional support will shape children's understanding of healthy relationships. This experience becomes the foundation they bring with them into adulthood.
Research shows that emotional closeness between parents and children is linked to their ability to build healthier relationships later in life. Teens who feel accepted and valued at home are generally more confident in relationships with others. They also tend to have healthier boundaries in relationships.
Teenagers are often exposed to images of relationships that seem perfect on social media. They see couples who always seem happy, romantic, and problem-free. This condition can make them have unrealistic expectations about love.
Parents can help children understand that a healthy relationship does not mean a perfect relationship. In every relationship there must be differences of opinion and challenges that need to be resolved together. The most important thing is how both parties respect each other, communicate well, and still show respect.
4. Help teenagers recognize the characteristics of healthy relationshipsTeaching healthy love also means helping teenagers recognize the signs of a good relationship. A healthy relationship usually makes a person feel safe, valued, supported, and free to be themselves. There is no pressure to change for the sake of pleasing a partner.
On the other hand, relationships filled with excessive control, manipulation, or unreasonable jealousy need to be wary of. Teenagers need to understand that excessive attention to limiting freedom is not a healthy form of love. This understanding can help them make wiser decisions when entering into relationships.
Many parents feel awkward when discussing the topic of love and relationships with teenagers. In fact, open conversations can actually help children get more balanced and accurate information. The key is to create a comfortable atmosphere without judging.
You can start by asking their opinion on relationships they see on social media, movies, or the friend circle. Open-ended questions give teens the opportunity to express their thoughts more freely. From there, parents can give direction without coming across as condescending.
6. Be a good relationship exampleChildren learn not only from what they hear, but also from what they see every day. The way parents communicate, resolve conflicts, and treat other family members is a real example that teenagers observe. This exemplary influence is often stronger than even long advice.
When parents show mutual respect and healthy communication, children get a concrete picture of a good relationship. They learn that love is not just about words, but also daily actions. This experience will help them build healthier relationships in the future.
When children become teenagers, the role of parents in teaching healthy love becomes increasingly important. In the midst of the rapid flow of information about romance and relationships circulating in the digital world, teenagers need guidance that helps them understand the true meaning of love. With open communication, emotional support, and good role models, parents can help children build an understanding of healthy, respectful, and responsible relationships. In the end, this is the preparation that will help them have a more positive relationship in the future.