Talking to Your Teens About Healthy Relationships.

Eighty-two percent of 18 to 30 year olds expect to be married for life. Researchers have found that the building blocks of healthy adult marriages are formed during the teenage years. Parents may be nervous about talking to their teens about relationships or marriage, but they are a critical influence in their teen's life. When asked "Who influences you most when it comes to your dating relationships?" teens named their parents first (35 percent). Parents' values seem to be related to teen values and, subsequently, teen behaviors. Show your teen you care, listen respectfully to his or her opinions and feelings, and do things together that strengthen your relationship. The following tips will help parents talk to teens about healthy relationships and healthy marriages. (Author abstract modified)