FIRST CRUSH ALERT!

The tween years are a time of emotional growth and exploration. Kayal Arivalan seeks expert advice to help you guide your child to navigate the complexities of early relationships

- Kayal Arivalan

I was dropping my eight-year-old son off at school when he suddenly asked me, "What is a crush?" Caught completely off guard, I had to stop the car as panic set in. Then I looked over, and there he was completely relaxed and as cheerful as ever. As a millennial mom to a Gen Alpha child, I realised that this was one of those topics that needed to be addressed.

I remember having similar conversations with my mom at the tail end of my teenage years, but kids today are exposed to so much more at a much younger age. It's important to guide tweens (eight- to 12-year-olds) with the right information. Liking someone is completely normal for children, and they might not have caught romantic feelings; it could simply be admiration or affection.

As children transition from primary school to the tween years, they begin to experience a whirlwind of changes, in everything from their emotions to their social circles. For many, this is also the time when early relationships - whether in the form of close friendships or crushes - start to become a more prominent part of their lives. This phase is exciting and often confusing, and parents, caregivers, and mentors have a huge responsibility in helping them understand their feelings in a healthy, positive way.

No Judgement, Please!

It is essential to maintain open communication with your child, free from judgement. Tweens, in particular, might hesitate to share their feelings and experiences for fear of being misunderstood.