It happens before you know it. One day your child, who seems to be oblivious to the opposite sex (and often annoyed by them) will suddenly not just tolerate the other gender, but be smitten by them. Yes, the age-old wisdom that our kids grow up way too fast is indeed true.
That first initial crush happens way earlier than most of us would like. I remember my first big crush. It was in third grade. His name was Chris. Not only was he cute, funny and sweet but his parents were puppeteers which I thought was so cool. We confessed our “like” for each other and decided that we would “go out.” Then, we completely ignored and avoided each other for the rest of the school year. (We were totally clueless on how this whole crush thing worked.)
Now, as a mother to my own “growing up too fast” girl, I am on guard for signs of her first crush. While, thankfully, it hasn’t happened yet, it really is just a matter of time. I’ve already seen some of her peers and older friends dipping their toes into their romantic futures with these first flirtations. Here are just a few clues that your kid might have their first crush:
1. They suddenly have an intense interest in something that they didn’t before
Let’s say the neighbor boy is totally into Pokemon and all of a sudden your daughter thinks Pokemon is the best thing since sliced bread. It’s not really about Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander but rather the boy’s interest in Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander.
2. The opposite sex is no longer totally icky
There was a time when your child thought that little boys or little girls were gross and to be avoided at all costs. Then a switch is flipped—suddenly, the other gender isn’t so bad, especially that particular member of the opposite sex.
3. When you mention their crush’s name they blush
You may have said their name before, but suddenly your child’s cheeks get a bit pink, they look away coyly, giggle and they may try to change the subject, fleeing from the feelings they might be having. You might feel tempted to tease them, but don’t. Trust us.
4. They pretend play house
For very young children who have been bitten by the love bug, they might start playing “house” or having little pretend weddings in the corner of the playground. It’s their way of using play to express things they may be feeling. This is totally natural.
5. Their crush is their main topic of conversation
It may start to get a little old after a while, but the name of their crush may pepper almost every single conversation you have with them from, “Oh, we’re having pasta? Brad loves pasta,” to “I have a splinter! Do you know Brad once had a splinter!” Yes, those mundane facts will suddenly become major news.
Has your child had their first crush yet? If so, what signs did you notice? Share below!
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A Letter to My Daughter as She Starts Pre-K
5 Ways Kids’ Birthday Parties are Like Slow Torture
Photo credit: Flickr/Colin Carmichael
