Already from the age of 10-11 children start experimenting with first crushes and laughing at each other for having preferences. That’s why I like to challenge them to think about what it means for them to have a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” even though at this age they use the term boyfriend instead.
Most of the time it’s hard for them to think because they are not used to asking such questions. Some say they don’t know, others refuse to participate. That’s why we always do these group activities. To encourage each other to find answers, here are some of them:
I think it’s good to have a friend when you’re over 16.
Having a boyfriend or girlfriend means liking her.
We want to have a friend so we have someone to comfort us when we are sad.
We’re ready to have a friend when we’re 16.
To have a friend is to love and respect you.
We want a relationship so someone can comfort us when we’re sad, make us laugh and love us.
My favorite:
I believe that in love there is no age requirement but I think it is recommended not to be too young.
I believe that a relationship is about considering the other person’s opinion and vice versa.
We should love being in a relationship because it’s beautiful to love.
I noticed that while the former talked about what they want to get in a relationship, the latter answers, which one single boy worked on, are about what you give in a relationship.
Children replicate the pattern of interaction they see in their parents. What model of relationship do you offer them?
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