Teens need healthy relationships to thrive emotionally and socially. But many things can get in the way—unhelpful beliefs, lack of communication skills, or even trouble setting boundaries. In our Interpersonal Effectiveness module, we give teens the tools to overcome these challenges and form positive, lasting connections.
Here’s how we help teens build these skills, along with tips for how you, as a parent, can support them at home.
Step 1: Understanding What Gets in the Way
Teens often struggle with unhelpful beliefs about themselves or others in relationships. These beliefs may cause them to avoid conflict, feel misunderstood, or act impulsively. We work with teens to evaluate these beliefs and challenge the ones that get in the way of healthy interactions.
How you can help:
- Encourage open conversations about their friendships and relationships. Ask questions like, “What do you think makes a relationship healthy?”
- Be patient. If your teen seems defensive, let them share at their own pace. Just being available to listen is powerful.
Step 2: Getting Their Needs Met
Teens may struggle to ask for what they need from others—whether it's emotional support, space, or help with tasks. We teach them to identify their needs and express them clearly and assertively, without fear or frustration.
How you can help:
- Role-play different scenarios with your teen. For example, ask, "How would you ask your friend for help with homework?"
- Reinforce that it’s okay to have needs and to communicate them. You can model this by expressing your own needs clearly.
Step 3: Communicating Effectively
Effective communication is key to maintaining strong relationships. Teens often feel like they aren’t heard, or they may not know how to get their message across without causing tension. We guide them through tools like active listening, clear expression, and handling disagreements calmly.
How you can help:
- Practice active listening with your teen. Give them your full attention when they speak, and repeat back what you heard to show you’re listening.
- Discuss how tone and body language impact communication. Encourage them to be mindful of these aspects when interacting with others.
Step 4: Setting and Maintaining Boundaries
Teens often feel overwhelmed in relationships where they aren’t sure how to set limits. Boundaries are essential for maintaining respect and emotional safety. We teach teens how to recognize when they need to set a boundary and how to assertively communicate those limits.
How you can help:
- Talk about boundaries in everyday situations. For example, “How would you set a boundary if someone asks too much of your time?”
- Encourage them to stand by their boundaries and respect others’. Offer praise when they practice this in real life.
Step 5: Ending Destructive Relationships
Sometimes, relationships become harmful. Whether it's a toxic friendship or a romantic relationship that’s not working, teens need to know when and how to walk away. We help them identify these situations and give them strategies to exit gracefully and safely.
How you can help:
- Encourage your teen to trust their instincts. If they feel uncomfortable in a relationship, let them know it's okay to step away.
- Support them through the process by offering guidance, but allow them to make their own decisions about who they spend time with.
Step 6: Taking Perspective and Identifying Values
Building strong relationships isn’t just about getting needs met—it’s about understanding others. We teach teens how to take the perspective of others, helping them recognize different viewpoints and become more empathetic. They’ll also identify the values they want to bring into their relationships, whether that’s trust, honesty, or respect.
How you can help:
- Discuss the importance of empathy. Ask questions like, “How do you think your friend felt during that argument?”
- Talk about values in relationships. Ask your teen, “What do you value most in a friendship?”
Wrapping Up: How Parents Can Stay Involved
As teens work through these skills, your involvement can make a huge difference. By creating a home environment that encourages open communication, empathy, and respect, you’re reinforcing the lessons they learn in therapy. It’s not always easy, but consistent support and understanding from you can help your teen thrive in their relationships.
A few final tips:
- Check in regularly. Ask about their friendships without being intrusive.
- Celebrate the small wins. If they express their needs or set a boundary, acknowledge their effort.
- Model healthy relationship skills in your own interactions with others. Teens learn a lot by observing.
By helping your teen develop these critical interpersonal skills, you're setting them up for a future filled with positive, healthy relationships. We’re here to support both you and your teen every step of the way.