Anytime your child hurts, you hurt. That is true for when you see them experience their first teenage breakup after a relationship. Although we as adults know that life goes on and they will have other relationships in the future, that is a hard concept to get them to understand. All they know is that they feel heartbroken and they feel like life will never be the same. So what can you do to help them over their teenage breakup?
The extent of their upset will vary based on how sensitive they are, how long they dated and how much they cared for the other individual. You will need to vary your response based on those factors. It is a good idea to talk to your child when they are going through a teenage breakup. Let them know that you are there for them if they want to talk. Relate some of your experiences as a teenager. Remind them what a special person they are and that there are other people they can meet when they are ready. Tell them you understand it won’t be the same but different in a good way. Encourage them to spend time with friends and doing activities that they enjoy. Ask if they would like to have some friends over or go bowling or whatever activity that they enjoy taking part in.
Give them time to deal with their emotions. They may want to be alone and grieve. They are young but their feelings are as real as ours are. At the same time, monitor them for signs they seem depressed beyond what is normal or they just aren’t getting over their teenage breakup. If you are worried about them and their emotional state seems abnormal or like it is going on too long, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s doctor.
Image Credit: Good Enough Mother
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