“Mumma, I Have a Crush!” — What Should Parents Do?

It usually begins casually.

Your 6-year-old comes home, drops the bag, and excitedly whispers…

“Mumma! I think I have a crush!”

Suddenly, time freezes. You look at that tiny human who still sleeps with a teddy bear and refuses to eat veggies…Crush? At 7?

Before panic jumps in — pause. Because behind this little confession lies something beautiful :Your child’s first brush with emotional awareness.

 Why Is This Happening So Early?

We grew up in a world where:• No one used words like “crush” in 2nd grade• Friendships were simple — running, laughing, going home

Today’s children are: Exposed to media and conversations earlier. Emotionally expressive. Observant of relationships around them

They are learning vocabulary and emotions 10 years earlier than we did.

And that’s not scary - it’s simply evolution in a digital world.

 What Does a “Crush” Mean at This Age?

Psychologists call it childhood infatuation - not romantic love.

It’s mostly: Curiosity, Admiration, Desire to be close to a special friend, Imitation of what they see around them.

This is how children’s brains practice: Social bonds, Empathy, Emotional expression

 So What Should We Do as Parents?

Step 1: Normalize the Feeling

Say things like:

“It’s okay to like someone! Feelings are natural.”

When we don’t judge —kids learn that emotions are safe to share with us.

Step 2: Encourage Honest Conversations

Respond with curiosity, not fear:• “What do you like about this friend?” “How do they make you feel?”

These questions build: Emotional vocabulary. Reflective thinking. Trust in parent relationships

This one sentence does wonders:“Thank you for telling me. I’m always here to listen.”

Step 3: Reframe It as Friendship

At 6–8 years, friendship is the foundation of all future relationships.

Tell them:

“Every strong relationship begins with a friendship. Enjoy being great friends first!”

Let them explore: Kindness. Teamwork. Respect. Communication

And if they drift apart later — no heartbreak, no pressure.

This is how they develop social skills without emotional damage.

What Is Actually Growing Inside Them?

When a child experiences a crush, they learn:• Confidence (Someone likes me / I can like someone)1.Setting boundaries.2. Handling attention.3. Understanding similarities & differences

These skills protect them later from:

❌ Peer pressure      ❌ Toxic friendships     ❌ Rushed relationships

A secure child today becomes a wise adult tomorrow.

Building the Bridge of Trust

This is your golden door to future conversations:1. In teenage years.2. About love, heartbreak, attraction, physical changes

If we shut the door now…they will seek answers from peers, screens, or secrecy.

If we welcome their honesty today…they will come to us even with harder truths later.

The Parenting Mindset We Need

Do not dismiss: “This is nonsense!”  Do not tease: “Oho! Marriage next?”  Do not shame: “You’re too young!”

Instead, Listen, Guide, Celebrate emotional growth.

We are raising:- Emotionally aware children., Who understand what they feel, Who respect others’ feelings, Who build healthy, happy bonds .And isn’t that what every parent truly wishes for?

 Final Words

A crush at 7 isn’t a warning sign. It’s a milestone — a heart learning to feel.

So when your child comes to you and whispers:

“Mumma, I like someone…”

Smile. That tiny heart just trusted you with its biggest secret. Hold it gently.

Because this is just the beginning of a long, honest, and beautiful relationship between: Your child’s feelings and your understanding.