Parent Letters - English

Chapter 5: Relationships: The Teen Years

Parent Letter and Activities
For use with Chapter 5

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Your child’s health class is currently studying the topic of relationships during the teen years.

While considering these aspects of relationships, your teen will answer important questions, such as: What are the qualities of a good friend? How can I make new friends? What is the difference between positive and negative peer pressure? How can I use refusal skills? Why is it important to set limits in dating situations? What are some ways to practice abstinence? These questions can be highly personal and sensitive. With your help, however, your teen will learn how to choose positive friendships, resist negative peer pressure, and practice abstinence. These skills will prove beneficial not only during the teen years but also as your child enters adulthood.

To support and extend our classroom work, please set aside some time during the next few weeks to complete one or more of the following activities with your teen:

Discuss the qualities of a good friendship with your teen. Share your own experiences with friendships and how they have changed over the years.

Work with your teen to create a list of fun activities in your community that teens could do in a group. You might check the local newspaper, Yellow Pages, or community Web sites for ideas.

Make yourself available to discuss and answer questions your teen may have about dating, including setting limits and practicing abstinence.

Please engage in other activities you may feel will be beneficial. Your support and encouragement are vital in helping your teen develop healthy peer relationships. Thank you for your continued involvement. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher