If your children are often disappointed or frequently hurt or unhappy in most of their relationships, they probably have unrealistic expectations for how others ought to behave toward them. You can help your children in this area by discussing expectations and exploring whether those expectations are realistic. Unrealistic expectations must be modified or let go. Finally, teach each child that he needs several good friends, because one person cannot meet all his needs. Your child should not abandon other friends when serious dating begins.
Friendships are too valuable to throw away.
Your children will experience rejection some time during their dating experience. Rejection seems so personal, when often it is merely a question of timing, personal preferences, expectations, peer pressure, differences in lifestyles or commitment to convictions. Coping with rejection involves acknowledging the pain, spending time with other people, seeking affirmation from safe sources such as church youth groups, learning from the experience and taking time to recover. Going on safe dates. Have frank discussions with your teens about sexual temptation before they begin even casual dating.