| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
As your child grows into their teenage years, you’ll likely begin to notice a shift in their behavior, preferences, and emotional responses. They may start enjoying more privacy, spending more time alone, and becoming extra conscious of their appearance.
You might find yourself asking, “Why the sudden change?”
It’s simple: your child is growing. And with this phase comes a surge of emotional and hormonal shifts that shape how they see themselves and others, especially the opposite sex.
Understanding Your Child’s Sexual Curiosity
One of the more surprising changes you may observe is your child’s growing interest in people they find attractive, usually those who are good-looking, confident, or charismatic.
You might notice them lingering longer in conversations with the opposite sex, soaking in compliments, or becoming unusually conscious of who’s paying attention to them. At times, they may even seem more drawn to romantic attention than to their usual friendships.
At night, your teen might be replaying interactions in their head, daydreaming, or feeling emotionally caught up in thoughts of someone they admire.
As a parent, this may leave you wondering, what’s really going on with my child? Are they falling in love or just navigating the confusing waves of lust?
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Here are some common red flags that indicate your child may be dealing with lust rather than love:
- They avoid opening up to you or become uncomfortable discussing their feelings.
- They get jealous when someone they admire gives attention to others.
- They begin entertaining conversations or connections centered on sex.
- Their interest seems more physical than emotional or mental.
These signs aren’t reasons to panic, but they are invitations to lean in with more love, wisdom, and intentional conversations.
Helping Your Teen Understand Lust vs. Love
One of the best gifts you can give your child is the clarity to know the difference between real love and fleeting lust. Try walking them through this simple comparison:
Signs of Lust
- Their attraction is mostly physical.
- Their conversations are often shallow or sexually suggestive.
- They lose interest once the excitement fades or flaws appear.
- There’s little to no emotional bonding.
- They feel regret, guilt, or confusion after certain encounters.
Signs of Genuine Love
- They feel deeply connected beyond the surface.
- Their conversations focus on meaningful topics like growth, success, and the future.
- They care about the other person’s well-being, not just attention.
- They’re willing to respect boundaries and make sacrifices.
- Their emotions lead to clarity and growth, not shame or obsession.
In Conclusion
Your child’s feelings of attraction and desire are natural parts of growing up. But without proper guidance, these feelings can spiral into confusion, heartbreak, or regret.
As a parent, your role isn’t to control these emotions but to help your child understand and handle them wisely. Be their safe space. Let your child know it’s okay to feel, to ask, and to talk.
Open the door for honest conversations without judgment. Your presence, patience, and perspective are the anchor your child needs to navigate love, lust, and everything in between.
READ: Navigating Love and Learning: A Student’s Journey
Love requires commitment, and it is the same with academics. This article helps you navigate both a relationship and your academic pursuits seamlessly.
