How Should Parents Discuss Healthy Relationships With Children? 

When was the last time you went through a big breakup? Whose face popped into your mind when you wanted to reach out? For most, it would be a close friend or a sibling, someone they're comfortable speaking to. But how often do we think about talking to our parents?

Indian parenting has come a long way. Initially, parents would have a panic attack if a movie with double-meaning lyrics played on the television. Today, more and more parents are opening up to discussing physical intimacy with their children and much more.

While teen dating in India has always been frowned upon, in the last few years, more parents are opening up to discussing physical intimacy with their children and much more.

Discussing Relationships With Kids

Many parents refrain from discussing love and long-term relationships with their children because they feel kids are not ready for such heart-to-hearts. These conversations are complex because of what lies beyond that promised 'perpetual' happiness. And about the effort, it requires to keep a relationship afloat. Why each relationship is unique and why some work better than others.

To avoid embarrassing queries about intimacy in a relationship, many Indian parents act rigid and distant towards each other in front of their kids - holding hands or hugs is a big no-no. They say that the teen years are to concentrate on studies; they think out of sight and out of mind. However, parents may be underestimating their children, and the persisting apprehensions towards a teen will surely make the latter go against them.

"Children observe how their parents behave and act around each other, which may define their conduct in long-term relationships."

It is essential that parents and kids can communicate clearly and candidly among themselves. Effective communication helps children feel heard, respected and understood by their parents, making them feel more confident about themselves. A parent discussion can make the child feel less worried. They can devise solutions to the issue and coping mechanisms while working together. If only parents started to share their struggles, not only those setbacks in which they triumphed but also those in which they failed miserably and talked about their mental health, it would naturally encourage their children to be comfortable to open up to their parents when they feel like reaching out. Early boundaries must be established so parents and children can share information even if the other generations do not deem it pertinent. Again, for this, a solid parent-child relationship is a must. The parents should engage in rituals with their children that are exclusive to them. In these rituals, they can connect with their children without interruptions, bring up relationships in a conversation that is otherwise very natural, and explore the benefits and pitfalls of teen dating. It should not be a 'family discussion at mealtime'.

Youngsters can be greatly comforted by knowing that their parents understand and care about what they are going through, but it doesn't always come easy. Taking some time to think about what you want to tell them, choosing the right time and the suitable mode of communication, being honest, open and patient, not being discouraged, and telling them how they can help are ways through which opening up to parents can feel less arduous and less daunting a task for children.

Dissatisfaction and discontent resulting from expectations not being realised or when one partner tries to impose their stigmas on the relationship, leaving no room for changes. Parents need to converse with their kids about ">relationships and love. They must grow into adulthood prepared to maintain a long-term relationship since it takes a lot of effort.

Talk to them about failures, breaks up, and why it's all right to walk away from love for one's good. As parents, you have to raise your kids to be competent adults.

When everyone understands how meaningful relationships and romances are in maturity, isn't the parent's responsibility to prepare their kids for them, just as they prep them for their careers?

"A parent cannot protect their child forever. Hence, letting them explore safely with parental guidance is necessary. Also, since these are natural impulses, they are bound to happen, and a blanket ban might do more harm than good."

Suggested reading: Why Parenting Teenagers Is No Different Than Raising Toddlers