Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office?

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Q: What are some ways I can talk to my teen about consent and respect in relationships without making them feel embarrassed or awkward?

A: Teens should know that consent and respect in relationships are important to building healthy, respectful connections. Explain to your teen that consent means agreeing to something willingly and freely. It’s not just about saying “yes.” It’s also about ensuring the teen’s partner feels comfortable and respected. Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time. Coercion is the practice of persuading someone to do something. This means consent does not exist if pressure or coercion are used to gain it.

Teach your teen to identify, communicate and respect other people’s boundaries, as everybody has different comfort levels. Both partners should feel equally valued and heard — they should listen to each other, value each other’s opinions and make decisions together.

Empower your teen to trust their instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to

say no, step away or talk to a trusted adult. Encourage open dialogue with your teen and provide them with resources, as they may have questions or misconceptions about relationships.

— Shelli Dalton, SANE RN, Samaritan Albany General Hospital – Sarah’s Place

Q: What are the early signs of unhealthy or controlling behavior in a friendship or relationship, and how can I teach my child to recognize them?

A: It’s never too early to talk to your child about healthy and unhealthy relationships. Often there are subtle early warning signs that they may not recognize as problematic. Unhealthy relationships are centered around power and control, and the abuse can escalate with serious consequences.

Some examples of unhealthy relationship behaviors include:

• Checking their phone, email or social media without permission.

• Putting them down, especially in front of others.

• Isolating them from friends or family.

• Extreme jealousy or insecurity.

• Explosive outbursts, temper or mood swings.

• Any form of physical harm.

• Possessiveness or controlling behavior.

It’s important to have open conversations to help your child recognize these early warning signs. Start by listening without judgment and avoid lecturing. Be mindful of your timing and let your child guide the discussion. Respect their privacy and don’t force them to open up. If they aren’t ready to talk, don’t give up — try again another time.

— Emily Jaskoski, SANE RN, Samaritan Albany General Hospital – Sarah’s Place

---

Brought to you by:

Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctor line

at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.