What to do when your child falls in love early?

Psychologist Cynthia Langtiw, associate professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, USA, said that young children often focus their love on their family, but by kindergarten age they gradually form outside relationships and can develop feelings for classmates.

This is an important emotional milestone. Having a crush helps children learn to feel attraction, respect privacy, and understand social relationships.

Depending on age, experts point out the following signs that your child has a crush:

From 6 - 9 years old:

- Frequently mention a classmate's name.

- Show excitement when playing or talking with that friend.

- Take up new hobbies like the person you like.

10 - 13 years old

- Begin to have deeper emotions due to the influence of puberty.

- Curious about dating, first kiss.

- Find ways to be with the person you like more.

13 - 15 years old

- Expresses the desire to become attractive in the eyes of the person you like.

- Be more proactive in sharing feelings.

- Follow or be influenced by images, videos, stories about love, friendship, couples, romantic relationships on social networks.

Instead of avoiding or reacting negatively, experts advise parents to approach the topic openly and positively.

Lauren Cook-McKay, an American marriage and family therapist, said that when children say they like someone, parents should show interest and not treat it as childish. This helps children feel heard and trust their parents more.

Ask your child what they like about the person, but don't pressure or tease them. It's important to let them explore their feelings in a safe environment.

Chat comfortably

Parents should not push, but start with general questions and follow their child's lead. For example, if your child says they have a girlfriend or boyfriend, ask them what that means to them.

Try not to laugh at your child's comments or dismiss their feelings. "You might say, 'I've noticed you've been hanging out with friend A a lot lately. Does it feel different around him?'" suggests the expert.

Determine if your child and the other person like each other.

If your child likes someone in class, ask him or her if he or she thinks the other person likes him or her too.

If the answer is no, explain that it's important to respect the other person's feelings. You might say, "I know you like her, but you shouldn't try to force her to like you. That might make her uncomfortable. That's not how a real friend should act."

Similarly, if someone likes your child but he or she does not feel the same way, encourage your child to say no in a respectful and gentle way. Tell your child that his or her actions and feelings are normal.

Set boundaries

Some children may want to hold hands or kiss on the cheek when they are in a relationship. Many experts generally believe that these physical behaviors are not sexual at this age.

However, parents need to talk to their children about boundaries. "You can tell them it's okay to play together, but no kissing," says Dr. Langtiw.

Heal the wounds

Initial crushes usually don't last long. Most kids get over them quickly. Of course, your child can still be hurt if a classmate says they don't want to be his or her "girlfriend" or "boyfriend" anymore.

At that time, Associate Professor, Dr. Kristin Lagattuta, developmental psychologist at the University of California, USA, suggested asking children how they feel.

Next, point out your child's good qualities and the other friends he or she has.

Parents can share some of their own childhood experiences to help their children realize that what they are going through is completely normal.