When your son or daughter comes home announcing they have a boyfriend or girlfriend or have a bit of a crush on someone they know, it can be a bit of a shock for you.

 

And while normally more innocent than anything, there are a few things you should take note of:  

 

1. Don’t pester for information

Avoid asking your child about their crush every day. While you are obviously going to be interested to know what is happening, your child will start to clam up if you are constantly barraging them for information.

 

2. Teach about healthy relationships

Now is the perfect time to teach them about healthy relationships. Talk about respect and friendship and the fact that the other person might not feel the same. 

 

3. Validate their feelings

Talk to your child about their crush and ask what it is about that person that they like. Validate their likes and talk about how it is good to be fond of someone with positive traits.

 

 

4. Don’t overreact

The last thing you want to do is overreact and become worried that your young child is growing up too fast. From the age of about six it is common for kids to talk about boyfriends and girlfriends and to say they have or want one. Usually it is more innocent than anything and you don’t want to make a huge deal out of it.

 

5. When it fizzles out

Usually a young crush will fizzle out over time and your little one will stop talking about them. However, the last thing you want is for your child to deal with a broken heart on their own. So gently enquire about the person and if your youngster seems upset or hurt, gently tell them that while it is sad and confusing at this time sometimes people just don’t feel the same way. And then give them a cuddle.

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