Teen Breakup Support
This playbook outlines the steps for supporting teenagers as they navigate the emotional challenges of romantic breakups. It aims to provide a framework for understanding and guiding teens to process their feelings healthily and build resilience.
Step 1: Listen Actively
Provide a safe, non-judgmental space for the teenager to express their feelings. Listen carefully without offering quick solutions or dismissing their emotions.
Step 2: Validate Feelings
Acknowledge the teenager's pain and validate their feelings. Let them know that it's normal to feel sad, angry, or confused after a breakup.
Step 3: Encourage Expression
Encourage the teenager to express their emotions through creative outlets such as writing, art, or music, which can serve as therapeutic forms of self-expression.
Step 4: Promote Self-Care
Teach the importance of self-care. Suggest activities like exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep to help the teenager maintain physical and emotional wellbeing.
Step 5: Set Boundaries
Help the teenager establish healthy boundaries with their ex-partner, such as limiting contact or social media interactions to avoid additional emotional strain.
Step 6: Focus on Growth
Guide the teenager to reflect on personal growth opportunities that can arise from the breakup experience, fostering a sense of learning and resilience.
Step 7: Seek Additional Help
If the teenager shows signs of prolonged and severe distress, consider seeking help from a professional counselor or therapist specialized in adolescent issues.
General Notes
Avoid Criticism
Be conscious not to criticize or trivialize the teenager's former partner or the relationship itself, as this may invalidate the teenager's feelings.
Maintain Privacy
Ensure the teenager that their privacy will be respected and that their feelings and experiences will not be shared without their consent.