Help Teen Boy Deal With Breakup

• Dealing with your teen boy's first breakup can feel heartbreaking and overwhelming, even for you, as he struggles to regain his emotions and strength once again. When you are trying to help your teen get over the anguish and upsetting feelings he is having over a breakup, various options are possible depending on your relationship with one another and his current state of mind.

  

• • Step 1

    1. Understand where your son's emotions are coming from by assessing the current situation of the breakup, including how long the two were together and the reaction your son is having to splitting apart from one another.

    2. Step 2

       Observe your son's behavior after the initial reaction to breaking up, as he may feel sad and depressed or even exhibit anger and outbursts of emotions depending on how he truly feels.

    4. Step 3

       Speak directly with your son about his feelings privately and not in front of other family members or his friends, to avoid embarrassment or an emotional shutdown. Ask him how he feels and allow him to express his anger or sadness, regardless of how emotional he may be.

    5. Step 4

       Set boundaries for your son if he is acting out of control, including destroying his own items or emotionally acting obnoxious in front of siblings and the rest of the household. Inform him that you understand he is dealing with and managing various feelings and emotions, but that it is still also important to consider those around him at all times as well. As a parent, enforcing rules and boundaries will also show him you care for him in a time of need and emotional struggle.

    6. Step 5

       Encourage your son to join a group, sport or try to involve him with a new hobby he may be interested in. Getting him out of the house with friends or involved with a new activity can help to relieve suppressed or negative emotions and feel happy once again over time.

Posted in: Breakups & Conflicts