Is Your Child Always Glued to Their Partner? Expert Advice to Avoid Isolation!

Kids can experience their first crushes as early as kindergarten. Small acts like kissing a classmate, holding hands with a friend during recess, or giving love letters and candies are ways young children express affection. Parents often feel comforted knowing their child has a “little boyfriend or girlfriend.” “I feel reassured knowing my daughter is loved and protected at school, and that she has a friend who will look after her, so she’s never alone on the playground,” shares Eloise’s mother, who is particularly fond of little Gabriel. However, psychologist Stéphan Valentin warns that such relationships could eventually become problematic.

“It’s not the intensity that’s concerning, but rather the fact that the two lovers are living in a bubble,” the expert explains. To prevent the children from becoming too isolated, he advises parents to “ensure that the child isn’t being too exclusive and continues to interact with other friends.” You might, for instance, suggest in an evening conversation that your child tries playing with other classmates. This way, “the child learns early on that being in love shouldn’t jeopardize friendships.“

By being exclusive, the young couple not only isolates themselves but also potentially prevents other classmates from approaching them to join in games. It’s crucial for each of them to have fun independently with their own friends and to reunite when they wish. Also, consider encouraging them to invite classmates over to your home and take them to birthday parties, even if their significant other isn’t there on that particular day.

According to Stéphan Valentin, it’s also vital for parents to support their child’s relationship. “Parents should show that they agree with their child loving another boy or girl and that they don’t become ‘jealous’ of this romantic feeling,” he advises.