Relationships
Having a strong support network is an important part of being a parent. Better quality relationships will enhance your sense of well-being. When you feel better, your child will feel more safe and secure, too.
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Explore this page to learn about healthy relationships, tips for how to parent as a team, and resources to support you in creating healthy relationships.
If you ever feel scared, constantly criticized, or controlled by your partner, those are red flags. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or mental. If you think you are being abused, visit the resources section to find help.
RED FLAG
Tips for Healthy Relationships
There are many relationships that are important to your child's well-being -- relationships with your current or former partners, with extended family members and friends, and, of course, your own personal relationship with your child.
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All of these relationships interact with each other, too. Here are some tips that can help enhance all of them.
Start with yourself
Healthy relationships start with healthy individuals. ​Loving yourself and taking care of your needs is necessary to loving someone else.
Create and keep healthy boundaries
Healthy boundaries start with taking responsibility for your own emotions and actions, without taking responsibility for the actions and emotions of others. What's one way to know if you have healthy boundaries? If your partner respects your wishes when you say 'no.'
Establish open communication
Good communication means being open about your concerns and respecting each other's feelings, choices, and desires. It's a good sign if you feel comfortable sharing these things with your partner. If you feel like you have to filter yourself, or are scared to share some things with your partner, that's a red flag.
We often know what we don't want in a relationship, but have you thought about what you do want? Avoiding red flags is important, but it is also important to think about what kind of partner you want, and what kind of partner you would like to be.
Parenting as a Team
You don't have to be in a romantic partnership in order to be happy or parent effectively. In fact, some of the best parents are 'single' parents. If you are parenting with an ex-partner, it is in your child's best interest to work together.
Relationships can be complicated. There are a lot of resources available to help you create and maintain healthy relationships. Getting support might seem hard to do at first, but it is often what is best for you, your partner, and especially your children.
Healthy Relationship Resources
Parent Clubs
Learn about parenting together in group classes. Start during pregnancy by joining a Moms Club (all parents welcome) or find a parenting class near you.
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