Maintaining Healthy Relationships
There are many important connections in our lives. Relationships can be very fulfilling, but also challenging at times. Below are some resources related to establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. For further assistance, please contact the Employee Assistance Program at 866-724-4327 if you need further assistance.
Take this quick quiz* with your son or daughter to help you both determine your ideas about relationships. Decide if you both agree or disagree and then use this opportunity to figure out the best answers together.
- Choose one couple we know that you think has a healthy relationship. Choose one that you think has an unhealthy relationship. Why did you pick whom you picked?
- What’s a healthy way to fight? What’s an unhealthy way to fight? Can you think of a situation in your life where you fought unfairly? What could you have done to make it a fair fight?
- You want to go to the movies – he wants to go to the mall. What’s a good way to work it out so everyone comes out happy?
- You notice your buddy pushing his girlfriend around after he does poorly on a test. Should you say something to him? To her?
- What does it mean to stand up for yourself? If you’re a girl, are you being strong or pushy?
- What should you do if someone you’re dating threatens you? Or tells you to keep quiet and not tell a soul, even though you know it is wrong?
- True or False – In a healthy relationship, one person makes all the decisions for the couple.
- True or False – Girls shouldn’t have too many opinions or make their feelings known too often or they’ll scare away the boys.
- True or False – It’s okay for a guy to call a girl by a nasty name because he saw it on television or heard it in a song.
- Whose relationship would you most like yours to be like?
*Content provided with permission from Liz Claiborne, Inc.
Today, our devices, and online activities have become such a big part of our lives. For many, checking email or social media is how their day starts and ends. Developing healthy and balanced digital habits is optimal for emotional wellbeing and coping and better relationships with our in-person connections.
- Schedule your time on social media rather than letting it control you
- Be thoughtful about why you’re logging on and stick to your plan
- Remember that someone else’s happy news does not minimize your own
- Be yourself
- Put your emotional wellbeing first – you can skip or hide negative or upsetting posts
- Sign off when the stress created by social media becomes overwhelming
- APA – Connected and Content – Managing Healthy Technology Use
- Commonsense.org -Technology Addiction and Finding Balance
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Kids & Tech – Tips for Parents in the Digital Age
- NET CETERA -Chatting with Kids about Being Online
- APA.org – What do we Really Know about Kids and Screens?
- Verywellmind.com – The Signs and Effects of Video Game Addiction
- Childmind.org – Managing Social Media Stress with Mindfulness
