Relationships
Intermediate concepts

Healthy relationships

We each have the right to feel safe, valued and cared about in our relationships.

Introduction

A healthy relationship is one which has:

mutual respect
trust
good communication
understanding
honesty

Being in a relationship should be a positive experience for both people.

It is important your child understands how to differentiate between a relationship that is respectful and healthy, and one that is unhealthy and disrespectful. This can be difficult for people of all ages. Learning to recognise the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships at an early age will help empower your child to develop new relationships as they age, and also help keep them safe.

The Relationship Game Part 1

The Relationship Game Part 2

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Conversation Starters

You and Alex seemed to have a great time today. Why do you think you get along so well?

I’m going out with my friend Taylor tonight. I really enjoy their company, but sometimes they talk too much about work. Do you think that’s OK in a relationship?

Did you see those people on the street having an argument? Do you think arguing is OK in a healthy relationship?

Strategies for you to try

My Safe People Worksheet

Use the worksheet to help your child identify their 3 trusted people. Put the completed worksheet on their wall and refer to it in conversations.

Sorting activity

Work with your child to come up with a list of age appropriate things that they think are signs of a healthy and unhealthy relationship. Find photos to match the list and print them out. Mix up the printed photos and ask your child to sort them into healthy and unhealthy signs. If your child is older, you could also do a similar sorting activity with the Sex Safe and Fun ‘Good sex, bad sex’ cards .

Teachable moments

Have a conversation about relationships while watching a movie or tv show. Do the characters look like they are in a healthy or unhealthy relationship? What are the signs?

trying to make friends