The melancholy expression on the face of your normally carefree and spirited teenager is enough to tell you that the romantic interest that filled them with the joys of spring, has gone sour. They have possibly just suffered the biggest disappointment of their young lives so far, as the object of their amorous desire has closed the door on them, leaving them feeling deflated and depressed.

Has your teenage child suffered the heartbreaking experience of losing out on love? Is there anything you can do as a parent to help them recover from a crush? For the disappointed teenager, it feels as though their whole world has collapsed around them and this is reflected in their mood. Even if their crush was for a person who had no inkling, the feeling is the same, dejection.

BUILD SELF_ESTEEM
Helping your teenager cope with the setback is a kindness to them. It lets them know that you care and share their disappointment. The key is in finding the right words to say that will make them feel more positive about the situation, words that make them feel dignified and highly-esteemed in the face of their personal frustration.

Losing out in romance can make a young person feel unwanted and create a feeling of worthlessness, as if they are not good enough for the object of their affection. Assuring them that this setback is not a reflection on who they are as a person will encourage them to take a wider view.

ASSOCIATION WITH OTHERS
The tendency for a teenager in crisis is to withdraw and isolate themselves, basically moping over the disappointment they have experienced.
Encourage them to hang out with their friends rather than lock themselves in their room where they will only be unhappy mulling over their sad loss. Keep your teen among people as much as you can to help them get over the crush that has caused them so much pain.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Your teenager is not the only one ever to experience disappointment over a crush. The chances are that you as the parent, have been in this very situation in your younger days. Recount the experience, the whole story if possible, and tell your son or daughter how it affected you and how you coped with it.
Knowing this is not a unique experience will go a long way to helping them cope with the understandable sadness they feel.

The natural feelings a teenager has when trying to get over a crush can be eased somewhat by good support from their family and friends. As time passes, they will get over it and find romance that will not lead to disappointment.

Learn more about this author, JC Campbell.
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