04:29
Faizan
First infatuations and relationships during adolescence may seem inconsequential to adults, but to kids, they have major significance. When your youngster experiences the trauma of a breakup, she’ll need your support and guidance to get through the rough spots. By providing support that doesn’t minimize the pain and shows your empathy and understanding, you demonstrate that you care about your child’s experience.
Resist the urge to minimize or trivialize your child’s breakup, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children.org website. Although intellectually you understand that your child will likely recover and move on from the breakup, your child probably doesn’t share this perspective.
Communicate your empathy and understanding of the hurt to your child. You might say, “I can see how much this hurts right now. I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I’m right here if you want to talk or cry.”
Make yourself available for your child if he wants to talk. You might show this availability by your physical presence when your child is home and by initiating a “check-in conversation” when you see your child. This interaction might sound like, “How’s it going today? Don’t forget -- I’m here for you if you want to talk.”
Reassure your child that she won’t feel so sad and hopeless forever, even though it may feel like she will. Tell your child that the hurt will get better and she won’t feel so sad. Remind your child that expressing and sharing feelings with others who care can be an effective method of healing from heartbreak, suggests the TeensHealth website.
Encourage your child to engage in positive pursuits to work through the sadness. Connecting with other friends and pursuing enjoyable activities may help your child feel better and realize that he still has happiness in his life, advises counselor Nathan Feiles,with the PsychCentral website. Some people also find solace and positive coping by writing about feelings and experiences, offers the American Psychological Association. Mention writing as something your child might try to feel better.
Monitor your child’s behavior to ensure she’s coping with the breakup. Although the hurt may take some time to dissipate, your child should not show signs of depression or sadness for longer than two to three weeks, advises the AAP. Listen for suicidal remarks. Adolescents may make suicidal gestures in response to a breakup. If you see behavior or hear your teen make comments that indicate that she’s not coping and moving on, seek professional help.
Resist the urge to minimize or trivialize your child’s breakup, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children.org website. Although intellectually you understand that your child will likely recover and move on from the breakup, your child probably doesn’t share this perspective.
Communicate your empathy and understanding of the hurt to your child. You might say, “I can see how much this hurts right now. I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I’m right here if you want to talk or cry.”
Make yourself available for your child if he wants to talk. You might show this availability by your physical presence when your child is home and by initiating a “check-in conversation” when you see your child. This interaction might sound like, “How’s it going today? Don’t forget -- I’m here for you if you want to talk.”
Reassure your child that she won’t feel so sad and hopeless forever, even though it may feel like she will. Tell your child that the hurt will get better and she won’t feel so sad. Remind your child that expressing and sharing feelings with others who care can be an effective method of healing from heartbreak, suggests the TeensHealth website.
Encourage your child to engage in positive pursuits to work through the sadness. Connecting with other friends and pursuing enjoyable activities may help your child feel better and realize that he still has happiness in his life, advises counselor Nathan Feiles,with the PsychCentral website. Some people also find solace and positive coping by writing about feelings and experiences, offers the American Psychological Association. Mention writing as something your child might try to feel better.
Monitor your child’s behavior to ensure she’s coping with the breakup. Although the hurt may take some time to dissipate, your child should not show signs of depression or sadness for longer than two to three weeks, advises the AAP. Listen for suicidal remarks. Adolescents may make suicidal gestures in response to a breakup. If you see behavior or hear your teen make comments that indicate that she’s not coping and moving on, seek professional help.
Posted in: Teen Dating & Sex
