Teens Overcoming Pressure
Help our Teens learn to Overcome Pressure.
Teens Overcoming Pressure (TOP) is a program that aims to teach teenagers how to identify healthily versus unhealthy relationships, in addition to early warning signs of abusive relationships, violent
Through this program, it is our goal to not only reduce the incidence of teen dating violence but to promote healthy relationships by guiding our youth through positive self-
What are the sign of Dating Violence?
One of the questions often asked by parents is: What are the signs that my child could be a victim of dating violence? The response –
Go with your parental instinct. If something doesn’t feel or look right with your child, then more than likely IT’S NOT. Below are tips to recognize the signs:
- Sudden changes in mood and behaviors. Have there been drastic changes in your child’s appearance, mood, diet, social routines or behaviors?
- Becoming secretive or withdrawn. Is your child isolating themselves from family and friends or being secretive about their relationship? This can be a symptom of your child feeling controlled by a partner.
- Unexplained bruising or physical injuries. Have you noticed strange or unexplained injuries? Do you notice a sudden change in their clothing (baggy, long sleeves) to cover up injuries?
- Anxiety or depression. Does your child seem depressed or detached since dating or spending time with their partner? Do they apologize or make excuses for their partner’s behaviors?
- Partner shows jealousy and constant surveillance. Have you witnessed any unwarranted jealousy or controlling behavior directed towards your child from their partner? Does the partner check up on them with constant calls and texts?
- Changes in social routines or friend circles. Do you know if your child’s closest friends like or dislike the new boyfriend or girlfriend? Does your child continue to spend time with their close friends, or does your child now only spend time with their partner?
How do I help promote healthy relationship & talk about dating with my kids?
- R-
E- S- P- E- C- T. Make sure kids know – and this is one of those things that you can develop over time – that healthy relationships are about respect. No pressure, no control. - Make it fun! Let them know this is supposed to be fun. The hard stuff shouldn’t come until later.
- Repetition. It’s the best way to learn! If we’re repeating the same information differently throughout their lives, it’s going to be taken in.
- Connecting with your kids. Strive for a secure, open relationship. Take them seriously so they will be more apt to talk to you and don’t say things like “Oh, it’s just a little eighth-
grade relationship.” - Home is where the heart is. Make your home one where kids can have dinner and hang out. That way, you’re going to have the option of seeing relationships. And if your child doesn’t want to bring someone over all of a sudden, that may be a negative sign.
- What are their friends saying? If friends of your child don’t like their boyfriend/girlfriend, that’s a big tell.
- Notice their behavior. If your child suddenly starts thinking
differently, or doing things differently, you need to pay attention. - Be curious. Ask questions as straightforward as, “How are things going with Johnny?” It can start a conversation, or show you where they may be issues to deal with.
Would You Like to Help
Meeting With Us
Reconciling the World Ministries
7801 Plott Road, Charlotte, NC 28215
4th Saturday of Each Month
@ 10:00 AM
Call Us
(+704) 931-1077
Email Us
info@nhbwqueencity.com