When love turns sour kids can be devastated and capable of dangerous and destructive behavior. Tracy Dean, a suicide counselor, talks to youth about her tragic high school relationship. When I was a sophomore, my boyfriend who was a senior, following an argument we had, went home and shot himself in the bedroom of his home. Many scorned teen lovers admit the end of a romance feels like the end of life itself. It's easier for a kid to heal with a parents' help.
Experts say it's crucial that parents take young romance seriously.
Listen to them and let them know that over time they will be just fine. In many cases when a young person has a girlfriend or boyfriend it is not a serious relationship at all. Often times it is a case of doing what others are doing and the status of being someone s girlfriend or boyfriend is merely a title. The relationships they develop are usually harmless, but parents should not be blind to things that may cause problems. For example, if a child is spending excessive amounts of time with his or her mate you may need to set limits.