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A teen's first heartbreak can be emotionally overwhelming.

The grief and trauma caused by a first breakup can have long-lasting effects.

Parents who can empathize and relate to their teen's pain can be more effective in helping them.

One of the hardest things for teens to deal with is their first heartbreak. As they reach puberty and start to have sexual feelings, who they choose has a lot to do with how they feel about themselves. Teens who feel secure may pick someone who also feels good about themselves. This may lead to mutual respect and treating each other well. On the other hand, teens who are down on themselves, who don’t recognize their value, and who may feel not worth being loved by someone, may choose a relationship partner more poorly.

When someone believes they are worthwhile, then they’re most likely going to expect that the person they become involved with will treat them well. Teens who feel bad about themselves and unlovable may feel lucky that anyone would want to be with them. This makes them more likely to connect with other people who are down on themselves, or worse yet, people with predatory inclinations.

Adults Have Perspective That Teens May Lack

Adults may know that people tend to go through a number of relationships in their lives. Teens may not know this. For a teen, first love may seem like a magical time that’s going to last forever. That’s why their........

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