Why do teens need a course in relationship skills?
• To learn how to handle the social and romantic upheavals of adolescence without harming themselves or others. • To gain the skills needed for healthy friendships, dating and ultimately, a good marriage or partnership. • To clarify their long term personal goals, learn how to meet these goals, and identify behaviors that can derail their plans. Most teens are totally preoccupied with relationships and romance – friendships, crushes, dating, sex, jealousy, and heartbreak. At best, this interferes with their education – at worst, it leads to serious, long term problems. Sadly, most teens are unprepared to handle these adolescent challenges in healthy ways. While some have good role models at home, many know only relationship failure and dysfunction in their families and communities. Without positive alternatives, teens depend on popular culture to shape their beliefs about dating, love, and marriage. Predictably, they often choose behaviors that sabotage their futures. Today, it’s clear
