Recognizing and Addressing Codependency in Teen Relationships
Teens in relationships may need guidance to help them form healthy boundaries. Some teens find support in their relationship, but they need to be aware of poor behaviors that require them to be frequently dependent on each other. Identifying these behaviors early on, including overreliance, control, and isolation, may significantly reduce the negative outcomes. Timely teen relationship advice aids in the development of self-trust and self-advocacy. Here are a few ways to recognize and address codependency in teen relationships:
Keep Track of Overall Well-being
With dysfunctional reliance, a partner could have issues when their significant other is preoccupied or out of reach. Help the teen look for signs of this behavior, such as the partner controlling what the teen says or wears in social settings. You can also determine if the teen has a partner like this if they have changes in behavior, such as losing interest in hobbies or placing the relationship above personal goals or family obligations. Some options to help teens in situations like this include:
- Set a weekly time for voluntary activities, drawing, or club activities to help reinforce autonomy from the relationship.
- Teach them to have positive thoughts about themself.
- Have them practice coping techniques during the absence of a partner, such as texting a friend or journaling.
These behaviors, over time, could result in self-reliance and a balanced interdependence.
Recognize Controlling Behaviors
Some examples of controlling behavior may be the partner demanding constant updates, attempting to control who the teen’s friends are, or making negative comments. Someone might check their partner’s mobile device without permission or monitor the teen’s interactions with peers, teammates, and virtual friends. To help the teen, teach them positive ways to respond to this controlling behavior, including talking to adults they trust. Teens could list what is acceptable behavior in a relationship; these behaviors should apply to social contact and belonging to group activities.
Encourage Personal Boundaries
Address personal boundaries if a teenager struggles to say no or gets permission from their partner before doing an activity or going somewhere. Instances of boundary neglect may include losing privacy when using their phone or cancelling family engagements. An additional warning sign occurs when a teenager’s schedule mirrors another’s, with no time to be alone.
Teen relationship advice may start with asking both teenagers in the relationship to create personal boundaries with each other that create trust and respect. Work through boundary situations where constant messaging or skipping commitments is requested. Teens can create a calendar where they arrange meet-ups with their partner and that include time for self-directed activities such as clubs or study groups. These consistent practices help reinforce boundaries without making them seem constricting.
Schedule Teen Relationship Advice
Constructive and supportive environments promote value and independence, which contribute to forming healthy teenage relationships. Teen relationship advice may stop obsessive dependence, controlling behaviors, and a lack of interests and attention. These boundaries help structure resilience through self-direction. Start applying the steps of recognition and resolution now to facilitate the creation of healthy and constructive teenage relationships.
