Discussion Questions:

• Some kids worry that they'll be teased if they admit they have a crush on someone. Have you seen this happen?

• How do you think a person should respond when they find out that someone has a crush on him or her? How should they react if they don't like the person back? Do you think there's a way to be kind in these situations?

• Is there anyone you have a crush on right now? Tell me about him/her.

• What is it about someone that makes you have a crush on them? What qualities do you like in other people?

• Is there anything you want to know about how I dealt with crushes when I was your age?

Remember:
--Be open and willing to talk about your own experiences from your youth, especially experiences that were painful at the time. It helps your child see that it is possible to survive, and move on from, an upsetting crush situation.

--Be sure to discuss appropriate forms of personal contact. Set -- and enforce -- limits on behavior you feel is inappropriate, such as love notes, unsupervised activities, hugging, or kissing. Talk through your rules and take time to make sure your child understands them.