While you were researching minimally invasive bunion surgery, your teen calls you in a state of emotional wreckage. They’ve just gone through their first breakup, and they’re heartbroken. Here are three guidelines to support your teen as they navigate their initial heartache. Grab a box of tissues for them and let’s dive in.
Open Up About Your Own Experience
If your teen is dealing with their first experience of love lost, sharing your own story of a first breakup can be incredibly beneficial. Your teen may feel isolated and overwhelmed by new emotions they don’t know how to handle. By talking about your own experience, you can reassure them that they’re not alone.
Spend some time discussing your first romantic disappointment and how, although it felt like the end of the world, you eventually moved on. This will give them hope and can also strengthen your parent-child relationship, helping them feel less isolated in the aftermath of their breakup.
Let Them Mourn
It’s important to allow your teen some space to grieve after the end of their relationship. Even if it breaks your heart to see them shut themselves in their room to cry, that solitude might be necessary for them to sort through their feelings. They need to learn to navigate these challenging emotions, rather than seeking to numb them or distract themselves immediately.
However, if they seem to be locked in their room for more than a week, it may be time for gentle intervention to make sure they’re not heading into a prolonged period of depression. And this leads us to the next point.
Remind Them of Their Passions
Once your teen has had a chance to mourn, it’s a good idea to gently remind them of the other joys in life. Nudge them to re-engage with activities or hobbies that bring them happiness. Point out that even though they may be suffering right now, time will help heal their emotional wounds.
If they’re not ready to venture out on their own, offer to accompany them to a place they love. Alternatively, if they prefer to hang out with friends, be supportive of that choice too. The key is to provide the space they need, while letting them know you’re there to support them when they’re ready.
In Summary
The first heartbreak is a rite of passage we all remember for its emotional toll. Lean on your own experiences with the ups and downs of relationships to guide your teen through this challenging chapter in their life.