DS16's first heartbreak

[Bearvet]

DS16 has been going out with his girlfriend for 1 1/2 years. She is 2 years older and went off to college this year. They decided to try to stay together but she met someone new. I know it's for the best, but my heart breaks for him. Any suggestions on how to help him cope (I have 3 boys and he is my sensitive one)? Thanks

 

[My sister's princess]

heartbreak sucks Does he have a good group of friends?

 

[georgina]

I would take my cues from him. If he wants to talk about it, listen. If he wants to be alone in his room for a few days, let him. Everyone handles breakups differently. Sometimes I think it is harder on the parents than the kids. A year and a half is a long time to have been with someone, it may take a while to get over.

 

[RunningGirl]

Poor guy! I don't have any specific advice; I would just try to make myself available if I felt he needed to talk. I know DD would spill her guts to me but DS would keep it to himself.

 

[DWGal210]

for your son. That's very rough.

If it helps him or you, here is a little story:

My brother went off to college and his first serious girlfriend also went to the same school. About a month into the semester, she told him she didn't love him anymore.

I went to see him and took him out for lunch. It was obvious he was hurting and he said he was going to just have fun time with his friends and not worry about dating for now.

3 weeks later, he met the young lady who would become his wife, and this year they had their daughter. In hindsight, for a variety of reasons, it probably wouldn't have worked out with that other girlfriend, and we just love his wife - she's a great gal. (Not to say this is the case with your son's GF, just an example.)

again to him. It's never fun and I'm sure he hurts, but perhaps this change will be a "for the best" moment in his life.

Tell him to take care!

 

[LuvOrlando]

Oh no. I would think you telling him about your first heartbreaks might help him keep it in perspective. The pain is miserable but, like everything else in life, the scars heal and the tears pass eventually. The trouble with teenagers is they haven't had enough experience with deep heartbreak to know it will pass so they tend to do rash things thinking they will never get past it. Help him develop coping skills like distracting himself with a movie or a book and prepare him for the waves of grief that come and go. I think that boys are at a disadvantage with this sort of thing compared to girls. When my GF's and I ended up broken hearted we would band together and tear the guy apart (with words of course). All with some pizza, Haagen Daz Ice cream, and 'I will survive' playing over & over on the radio.

Poor kid and poor you

 

[padams]

Make sure that he stays busy and doesn't spend too much time brooding alone in his room.