Parent Resources

Parents are the primary educators of their children! We want to empower you with the tools you need to confidently have these important ongoing conversations with your kids.

Use the search bar below to find helpful articles and resources:

The Facts About Teen Dating

Teen Dating Statistics

Contrary to how it may seem, most high school-age teens choose to leave sex out of their relationships!

In 2023, 68% of high school teens avoided the risk of pregnancy, STIs, and regret by choosing not to introduce sex into their relationships.¹
In another study, the large majority of teens who did have sex wish that they'd waited.²
Teens report that parents have the biggest influence in their lives when it comes to their sexual decision-making. Nearly all parents and teens agree that healthy sexual decision-making is easier if they can talk openly with their parents.²

Teens need to know the facts so that they can be confident in making the healthiest decisions for their lives and relationships.

What are the risks?

There are several risks associated with teens introducing sex into their relationships early on. Some risks include:

Greater likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies
Higher number of lifetime sexual partners
Negative effects on mental health¹

The healthiest decision that teens can make is to choose to leave sex out of their relationships until they have a healthy, stable, committed marriage.

The Success Sequence

Helping Your Teen Navigate Dating

Boundaries & Consent

We all need boundaries that support our values (the things most important to us). Having boundaries means saying no to some things so that we can say yes to the most important things!

For example, if I value being a great cross-country runner, then I should have a boundary of going to bed early on the night before a big race.

Consent is your "yes" in a relationship. If someone does not want to do something (especially when it comes to physical affection) then they have not given their consent. No one deserves to be pressured into doing something that they do not wish to do. Everyone deserves to have their boundaries and consent respected, and if boundaries and consent are not being respected, then you should leave that relationship!

Learn more about consent below:

Consent Explained

Red Flags

Breaking Up

Talking with Your Teen

Having a trusted adult to talk to is so helpful in navigating the difficulties of life, but sometimes it can be intimidating and awkward (even for the Trusted Adult!).

Here are some tips for parents when talking to their teens about dating, relationships, sexuality, or other sensitive topics. One key is that trust is built over time, and conversations about important topics (like sex) should be ongoing rather than one "Talk".

Safety Resources

Dating Abuse Facts

Dating abuse affects people of all ages and backgrounds, which is why it is important to talk about how abuse can happen in young people’s relationships. Check out these statistics:

One in three high school students experience either physical or sexual violence, or both in a dating relationship.
Young women between the ages of 18 - 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, almost double the national average.
More than half of women (69.5%) and men (53.6%) who have been physically or sexually abused, or stalked by a dating partner, first experienced abuse between the ages of 11-24.¹

Signs of Abuse

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Select this button to view our faith-based parent resources!

Faith Resources

Optimal Health

Our Optimal Health coach will equip you and your teen with the tools they need to develop communication skills, confidence, and have healthy relationships at no cost to you!

Learn More

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