It’s also important as a parent to understand how hormones play a role in teenage dating life, especially with boys. There is the common idea that boys are always thinking about sex, but is this true? Dr. Smiler explains how testosterone plays a big role in a male’s sexual desire. “Testosterone is about how much or how little sexual activity you want to be having,” says Dr. Smiler. When boys begin puberty their testosterone levels begin fluctuating a lot and at times boys may feel like they can only think about sex. However, their levels start to even out over the years and this isn’t as much of a problem. Girls also have testosterone, but boys have it at much higher levels.

Unfortunately, there may come the day when your teen is broken up with and it this can be hard as a parent to watch them go through the heartbreak. Author Dr. John Gray encourages parents not to try to minimize the situation or mock them as they go through it.   Their emotions are real and they need to know that you understand and support them. “If they are hurting, take the time to listen,” says Dr. Gray. “And one of the most important listening skills is to validate an emotion.”