When children are young they prefer to marry their mum or dad. But there will come a time when that will change. Then it is no longer mum or dad who has to play the bride or groom, but a boyfriend or girlfriend from the class. How do you deal with that as a parent? And more important, how does falling in love work in children? We explain everything you need to know about falling in love with children.
How does a crush?
Falling in love is an emotional and physical state that is experienced when someone has deep feelings for someone else. In this way falling in love can take different forms and even be experienced in different ways. For example, some people can fall in love at first sight, while others need time to develop feelings of falling in love. That is not very different for children. But, the way in which we as adults know lover is considerably different for children.
In love with children
In children, falling in love can occur at a young age. But don't fear. As explained above, this is even different than with adults. In love with children, it occurs rather as a strong sense of friendship, or as a desire to spend time with someone they like. When children are around seven or eight years old, they really learn to understand what is exactly in love. From this age they can also fall in love in a romantic way. Although children at this age understand in love with this age, it is not yet the case that the feelings of in love as adult experience are the same.
In love with children is generally harmless. As a parent, it is important to help your children deal with such a falling in a healthy way. Learn them respectfully with the feelings of others and not just playing with someone's heart. It is also useful to teach children about rejection or a broken heart, this even happens to the best. Listen to the feelings of your child and be open to ask questions about their falling in love. It can also help to set clear limits and to emphasize that respectful and acceptable behavior is important, regardless of how someone feels.
This is how you deal with the love of your child
A first falling in love can be very intense, a broken heart even more. As a parent, to assist your child as well as possible and to learn about falling in love, we have a number of tips here that help:
- Listen to what your child has to say. Let your child tell about his or her feelings and show interest in what they have to say.
- Don't be too judgmental. Try to be open to your child's feelings, even if you may not fully understand them.
- Give reassurance. Let your child know that it is normal to be in love and that everyone deals with love in his or her own way.
- Give advice when asked. If your child asks you for advice, give practical tips on how to deal with falling in love.
- Respect the privacy of your child. If your child does not want to talk about his or her love, respect that and try not to force it. This way you prevent it from keeping things secret or worse, lying about it at a later age.
