By Eleanor Beeslaar, HRI Graduate Assistant A big part of developing healthy dating relationships is knowing what to look for in a dating partner. Though attraction is an important part of dating, it’s also important to find someone who embodies
Talking to Teens about Teen Dating Violence
By Eleanor Beeslaar, HRI Graduate Assistant Just like it’s important to talk to your teen about what healthy dating relationships look like, it’s also important to have a conversation about the different types of abuse and warning signs that indicate
Talking to Teens about Healthy Relationships
By Eleanor Beeslaar, HRI Graduate Assistant An important first step when talking to your teen about dating is sharing what a healthy relationship looks like. Start an open conversation with your teen, asking them what qualities they think make up
Talking to Teens about Dating: Series Intro
By Eleanor Beeslaar, HRI Graduate Assistant Before you know it, your teen will be entering the dating world. Maybe you’re feeling uncertain or even intimidated when thinking about talking to your teen about dating. Know that these feelings are completely
Stay Calm!
Big emotions can be difficult to handle as adults. Now, imagine that you are experiencing really big, challenging emotions and also don’t know how to express or communicate them quite yet. This is often what is going on for young
Hugs Can Do Great Amounts of Good
Express love and affection to your kids openly and frequently! Showing your kids that you love them through your words and actions helps them feel secure, supported, and cared for.
Be Patient & Manage Your Expectations
Joining families takes time, so it is important to be patient and manage your expectations. Your kids might not be fully adjusted and on board right away, and that’s okay. It’s normal for kids to feel uneasy or uncertain during
Set Aside Time to Unite Your Family
Bonding as a family takes time and effort, so it’s important to set aside time to spend together, helping you build connections and nurture relationships! This doesn’t have to look like carving out large chunks of time or planning big
Work Towards Successful Co-parenting
An important part of promoting stability and structure during the big transition of forming a blended family, is to continue to engage in positive co-parenting with your ex-partner if they are a part of you and your children’s lives. Your
Hold Family Meetings to Promote Communication
A great way to help your family transition more smoothly into a blended family, is to have regular family meetings! Family meetings create a space for each family member to bring up important issues or concerns to be discussed and