Healthy relationships are always about two people both being as equal as each other. Always having the right to say how they feel and for their thoughts and feelings to be respected.
Parental relationships works the same way. Equality in a relationship is important for both of your parents to enjoy life, reach their goals and aspirations and feel fully supported.
In previous generations and in some cultures, women were discriminated against because of their gender. This led to the power and control of some relationships being unbalanced. Now women are protected by the Equality Act 2010, which means that nobody has the right to treat you badly or differently because of your age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
By young people, for young people
Would you like to share your experiences of this topic with other young people?
This could be some written text, a blog post, a short voice or video recording or even an animation!
These behaviours represent equality and respect in a healthy relationship.
You can talk to your parents or carers, a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.
If you live in Norfolk:
If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. You can also refer yourself for mental health support through their online form.
If you live in Waveney:
You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
Child Contact Centres offer advice to young people whose parents have separated and they are dealing with changes of family arrangements, like who to live with. Their information line 0115 948 4557 is open Monday to Friday between 9am-1pm.
If you are over 16 you can contact the NHS Talking Therapies Service Norfolk and Waveney (known as Wellbeing Service) on 0300 123 1503 (9am – 5pm).
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
MAP Norfolk can give free and confidential support, information and advice on issues such as housing, money and mental health. You can call 01603 766994 or email info@map.uk.net.
The equality wheel is a visual representation of what qualities are needed for a healthy relationship.
Equality for Us is a chance for young people to explore four key liberation campaigns for groups within society that face discrimination.
The term toxic masculinity describes a range of negative ‘masculine’ behaviours arising from the traditional masculinity ideology: what a man should be and how a man should act. This covers a range of issues such as suppressing emotions and a lack of openness about mental health.
A healthy relationship is when everyone feels respected, trusted and valued for who they are.
Healthy relationships rely on non-threatening behaviour, for example:
Your parents can show respect to each other by:
Being honest and accepting responsibility for your actions is a big part of a relationship. This can be seen by:
Showing growth when parents have made mistakes, and confidence to talk about them can help to repair trust. You might see this by:
Parents can communicate well to help resolve any disagreements by:
