When a teen is hurting after a breakup, it’s important to keep in mind that heartbreak within this age group can be huge, said Dr. Ellen Braaten, Ph.D., a psychiatrist at Massachusetts Hospital for Children. Not only is the relationship usually a first love, it’s often the first time the teen experiences the ending of a significant emotional relationship. When parents see their kids in pain, the first thought is to alleviate that pain — but trying to do so by saying, “You’ll find someone better” or “He wasn’t right for you” isn’t necessarily the right response.
On the other hand — don’t overdo the empathy, particularly if it was a relationship that was short-lived.
“Finding the middle ground is best. Provide empathy by saying things like, ‘It really hurts to lose someone you love,’ or simply, ‘I’m so sorry you have to go through this,'” advised Braaten. “It’s also important to be around more than you might normally be because this is a time your teen, male or female, might seek you out.”
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