Celebrate healthy relationships

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. The myth is that it’s all about romantic love—it’s not. Social connections with friends and family are also important and worth celebrating.

COMMUNICATE. COMPROMISE. SUPPORT.

Kids Helpline is offering some tips for building healthy relationships with a partner, family or friends.

• Communicate openly. In a healthy relationship, if something is bothering you, it’s best to talk about it instead of holding it in.
• Show respect. Other people’s wishes and feelings have value. Let others know you are making an effort to keep their ideas in mind. Mutual respect is essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
• Compromise. Disagreements are a natural part of relationships, but it’s important that you find a way to compromise if you disagree on something. Try to solve conflicts in a fair and rational way.
• Be supportive. Offer reassurance and encouragement. Also, let other people know when you need their support. Healthy relationships are about building each other up.
• Respect each other’s privacy. Just because you have a relationship, doesn’t mean you have to share everything. Healthy relationships require space.

What are some ways you plan on celebrating the relationships in your life?

If young people want to talk to someone they can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use email or web counselling services. No issue is too big or small.

Parents can visit the Hot Topics section on the Kids Helpline website for more tips on relationships.

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