1 / 14

Don’t Wait…Communicate!

The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center of Collin County Counseling • Education • Advocacy. Don’t Wait…Communicate!. A Parent’s Guide for Talking to Kids about Healthy Relationships. Samantha G. Wyman, BSW Community Education Coordinator.

sheri
Download Presentation

Don’t Wait…Communicate!

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center of Collin County Counseling • Education • Advocacy Don’t Wait…Communicate! A Parent’s Guide for Talking to Kids about Healthy Relationships Samantha G. Wyman, BSW Community Education Coordinator

  2. The mission of The Turning Point is to provide counseling, education, advocacyfor those impacted by sexual assault. All of our services are FREE!!! The Turning Point Services

  3. Relationships are Confusing

  4. Wanting to get serious quickly and refusing to take no for an answer Jealously or possessive behaviors Controlling, not taking opinions of others seriously and always checking up on dating partner Using threats and put-downs when alone or with friends Using guilt trips Blaming the victim for what is wrong Apologizing or giving excuses for violent behavior Abusive Behaviors

  5. School: failing grades, dropping out of school or activities Attitude: difficulty making decisions, changes in personality, acting out or being secretive, avoiding eye contact, getting hysterical, constantly thinking about dating partner Physical Appearance: bruises, scratches, or other injuries, sudden changes in clothes or make-up Activities: avoiding friends or changing peer groups, giving up activities, interests, or family time that previously was important, changes in eating or sleeping habits, using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs Pregnancy: some teenagers believe that having a baby will help make things better, some girls are forced to have sex. Warning Signs of Abuse

  6. Give your teen a chance to talk. Listen to the whole story. Tell them you are here to help, not to judge them. If they don’t want to talk find another adult that you both trust for them to talk to. Focus on your child’s safety and self-esteem. Rather than putting down the abusive partner, focus on how unhappy the child seems and the potential for harm. Let your child know that abuse is often progressive. If You Suspect Abuse Report Suspected Child Abuse At 1-800-252-5400 Or Online At http://www.txabusehotline.org/

  7. Encourage your child that the break up should be final. Develop a safety plan with your teen ahead of time. Support your teens decision and be ready to help. Make sure your teen takes safety precautions. He or she should avoid being alone. They may consider changing their school schedule. Speak to a school counselor or administrator for help ensuring safety at school. Trying to Break Up

  8. GoodCommunication equality Acceptance Respect Fun Fairness Safety Respectful Disagreements Honesty

  9. It’s never too early or too late to talk to your teen about respect: respect for self and for others.

  10. Encourage open, honest and thoughtful conversation. Allow teens to express their expectations and values regarding relationships. This is an ongoing process rather than a one-time conversation. Be sensitive and firm. Keep in mind the pressures and risks that teens face. Take a clear stand. Utilize “teachable moments.” Accentuate the positive rather than just risk factors or negative consequences. Be an active participant in your teens life. Talk about how to be a friend. Help them learn how to stand-up for and help friends. Encouraging a Healthy Relationship

  11. The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center of Collin County Counseling • Education • Advocacy Questions? The Turning Point 24 Hour Crisis Hotline 1-80-886-7273 For more information go to www.theturningpoint.org

  12. http://www.talkingwithkids.org/first.html http://www.kidshealth.org http://www.expectrespectaustin.org/parents/ http://www.loveisrespect.org/ http://www.startstrongteens.org/resources/parents Resources The Turning Point Website http://www.theturningpoint.org 24 Hour Crisis Hotline 1-800-886-7273

More Related