Introduction

High school is a time of significant personal growth and change, and it’s natural for students to start considering romantic relationships. But how do they know if they’re ready to date or start a relationship with someone? This blog post will explore an easy-to-implement activity designed to help students assess their readiness to date, along with discussion questions and related skills for educators to incorporate into their curriculum.

No-Prep Activity: The Readiness Check-In

The Readiness Check-In is a simple activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Students can complete this activity individually or in small groups.

1. Students should list three aspects of their life that they feel are stable and positive (e.g., friendships, academic performance, or hobbies).
2. Next, students should identify any potential stressors or challenges they are currently facing (e.g., family issues, mental health struggles, or school workload).
3. Students should then consider the time and energy they have available for a relationship. They should think about their current commitments and whether they can dedicate time to communicate, make plans, and spend time with a partner.
4. Finally, students should reflect on their personal values, interests, and priorities, and consider whether their crush aligns with these important aspects of their life.

By completing this activity, students gain a better understanding of their readiness for a romantic relationship and can make more informed decisions about dating.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to assess your readiness for a relationship before starting to date?
2. How can focusing on personal well-being and self-growth benefit future romantic relationships?
3. What are some strategies for maintaining balance between personal commitments and a romantic relationship?
4. How can open communication with parents or guardians about dating help ensure a healthy relationship?
5. Why is it essential to consider shared values and interests when choosing a romantic partner?

Related Skills

In addition to assessing readiness for dating, it’s important for students to develop other essential skills for healthy relationships. Some related skills include:

• Effective communication: Learning to express feelings, thoughts, and concerns openly and honestly with a partner.
• Conflict resolution: Developing strategies to address disagreements and solve problems together.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the emotions of others, and considering their feelings when making decisions.
• Respect: Treating others with kindness, consideration, and valuing their thoughts and opinions.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing personal strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth in relationships.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve explored the concept of readiness for dating and related skills, why not dive deeper into social-emotional learning? Sign up for free samples of skill-building materials and other resources at Everyday Speech. These materials can support both educators and students in fostering healthy relationships and personal growth.