The month of February is near and dear to our hearts….of course, there’s Valentine’s Day on the 14th, but also it is a time to focus on ways to help teens develop healthy relationship skills. In these difficult days, teens are struggling more than ever with this problem.
It’s very good to remember that safe, healthy relationships are respectful, self-controlled, trustworthy, free from coercion and control. Does this person care about me and help me to grow spiritually? This is a time to establish boundaries in our friendships AND romantic engagements. What are some of the red flags that teens should be watching out for as they begin a new relationship or evaluate other friendships?
Where does a parent or caring person even begin to have these conversations with the young people who God has placed within our sphere of influence?
Who will explain to the youth how important it is to know who they are in Christ, how to decide the right values and how to say “no” even if its uncomfortable?
Do they realize that their strengths (compassion, kindness, grace) can actually become weaknesses if they are in an unhealthy relationship?
We know that 1 in 3 high school students have been or will be in an abusive relationship. That’s a fact. That’s a serious problem. How do you start talking about these things when the young people are busy texting and checking their tiktoks and insty’s?
That’s one reason why FOCUS Ministries has a special Teen program — to educate them and encourage them that healthy, God-honoring relationships are possible even in these days. We have a full curriculum for youth groups to start those conversations and challenge them to think wisely about relationships, just as they need to be wise about driving cars and making other important decisions in their lives. We’ve also created a booklet, Time To Talk, which is intended to jump start those conversations about boundaries, red flags and how to recognize those friends who will respect them no matter what.
Because this is February, let’s love our young people enough to have those tough conversations. FOCUS Ministries can help. Please reach out to us if you have questions or need special counseling for the teens you love.
