I am not an expert in parenting and this is my first time being a parent but I recently found out that my 8 year old daughter has a crush on a boy in her class. I honestly think I’m in denial somewhat because I still see her as a baby. Obviously, it’s okay for her to like someone in an innocent way. If she smiles at him excessively and gives him a valentine, okay. As long as she is not hiding uder a table kissing him then I am fine.
Looking briefly online, I see mixed responses on this subject. Some people say as early as 7 while others said age 11 for the first crush. I’m assuming that it depends on the child and their emotional development. Boys will naturally have a first crush at a later age simply because they are less emotional than girls. It was funny how a child shows that they are interested in another. Girls will do the goofy notes and phone calls while boys may play rough or tickle someone.
Since my daughter is more of a tomboy she will tickle and play rough instead of the “princess” I love you mushy stuff.
This is a new adventure in my parenting life and I will try my best to talk to her about the appropriate and safe ways to have a crush. My biggest fear is that she will not have the self confidence to say no to a boy when she gets older. She may depend on a boy to make her feel good about herself and that’s where a good child could make a major mistake that will leave a deep scar on their life.
Personally, if I could do it all over again, I would have waited until marriage. I was 19 and unwed when I had my daughter. If I had waited, this would mean that my first child would have been born out of love and I probably would have been able to bond with her so much better. Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter so much and I just wish I would have picked a better time in my life. I may not have my own insecurity issues and would have been more confident if I would have waited to have that “first time” and many more.
This society frustrates me because you are considered the “odd ball” if you are still a virgin at age 18. Is anyone aware of the damage that we are doing to ourselves deep down? It may be fun and “feel good” while we’re doing it but at what cost? Honestly, abstinence should be encouraged more and not just by adults telling teens. Teens need to really consider this themselves too. I believe that it would have been worth the wait.
