Just like adults, children are very invested in their friendships and can suffer when there is an argument or a breakup.
Throughout childhood, it is normal to move from one friendship to another depending on the development of the personality. Breakups usually occur after an argument, a hurtful word, an inappropriate gesture, a betrayal or a change in status in the group.
How does the child experience the friendly breakup?
For many children, friendship can be just as sacred as a romantic relationship in an adult. Separating from your friend can be experienced as a real mourning that saddens you deeply.
While some will manage to get through the crisis more easily and will be able to bounce back to a new friendship quickly, for others it is a difficult period to get through which can be marked by anger, sadness or grief. ‘anxiety. If the consequences are present on sleep, appetite or schooling over several weeks, treatment by a health professional may become necessary.
What to do to help him ?
As parents, you have a role to play in clarifying what happened and alleviating any sadness, anger or guilt that may be present. Promoting dialogue in this way allows your child to put words to his emotions and help him express himself.
By giving her this space to grieve, you are helping her understand that grief is necessary to come to terms with what happened and then form new friendships. A bit like a wave, the pain is intense at the beginning but over time it subsides and allows you to remember the good times with your friend, being less sad.
Find out more: “The book that explains everything about friends” by Françoize Boucher, Nathan editions.
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