My 18 year old son broke down crying because his girlfriend of 3 years left him. What can I do to help him?

The last thing you should do is call his ex and get you and your wife involved in this. He's 18 years old, and this will definitely not be the last girl he will love. I think we all have been in that situation before and we can relate. Time heals all wounds and the best thing you can do is to let him know you both are there for him. Give him his space, but definitely keep a good eye on him. I think an 18 year old has a hard time relating to parents who are married, so I would suggest letting him talk to his buds about it. To keep in the loop of things, try and see if you can get his friends to update you on his progress.

3 and a half years is a long time for someone that young. Maybe you can try and see if you all can go on a family vacation? Maybe something you all did when he was younger? The main point of the vacation is to let him know that life moves on and that he can enjoy life on his own (of course, eventually he will find someone to enjoy it with). Sometimes being in a different environment with different people can really help a lot. Definitely share your stories of heartache or of other relatives' experiences.

But for now, I doubt he will want to open up until he feels ready to talk about it. I don't know if all guys are like this, but a lot of my guy friends and boyfriend tend to want to have their space to think things over -- too "cool off" the situation. Also, another thing that helped me when I was trying to get over something serious was that I kept busy. I realized the more I stayed in my room, cry about stuff or just be "idle", the worse I felt. But, the more busy I became, the happier I felt because it kept me distracted. At that time, I was pretty much part of many high school organizations, sports, band and had a part-time job (on top of that, I had college entrance exams and school work).

I'm sure he'll get over it soon, because he's in college. College was the BEST time of my life! I was happy to be single actually, because then I could meet new people, go out with my friends and just do what I want without feeling "bad" about it because of someone.

I think you're doing a good job, and you and your wife are wonderful to have so much love for this boy! I think parental love is the most important.

Heartbreak is rite of passage. It's so excruciating that one can't help but learn from it. You're right: this is going to take time. Don't let your wife patronize him by trying to cheer him up as if this were just a driving test he failed or a bad audition or an embarrassing moment at school. Take his feelings very seriously. This is a very serious situation. Simply be there with him. Let him know you're there for him and encourage him to talk, like you've been doing. Really listen. Let him cry- he probably will over and over and over again. It's fine. It's completely normal, healthy, and appropriate for the situation. I'm sure both you and your wife's hearts have been broken before; offer him some wisdom. Hug him and sit with him a lot. Exercise is a good idea. Perhaps you should start an exercise routine with him. Start feeding him foods that contain serotonin. Get him a sleep aid if he's having trouble sleeping. Let him have some time alone, but when you're with him, make sure he feels your love.

umm, I'm not a parent or anything. But I'm eighteen and I know the general feeling and I think you handled it really well. I wish I could tell you something else, but it's just going to hurt for a while. I agree with you, it sounds like maybe he should let her go, but I think he has to come that decision. Honestly, the fact that he trusted you and your wife to open up to you that much is really a lot... I mean, I don't know your family dynamics, but I know that I hardly let my parent's into my relationships and definitely not that much. I'd give him a little space, but still be there for him if he needs you. I think that's all that can be done. and I think you are doing the best you could do.

I hope this helped

I am not a parent, but I think break-ups, especially those that involve such long-term relationships are always very difficult.

All I can tell you is that it will be hard to cheer him up at this point, but try your best. If there is anything you like to do in family, to do it more often... Keep him busy, either with you, or with his own friends.

As to his girlfriend, she might or might not come back in his life somewhere down the road - it's a common tale. But for now, maybe he will be happier seeing other people, maybe not - he will have to find out for himself.

Help him in any way you can - and always listen! Best of luck for you and your son!

If the both of you are willing, then you should try getting him to go out with you to get his mind off her, Go to a football or basketball game. Or go fishing or hunting. Something that he will enjoy that gets him a little breathing time. If he is ready to talk to anyone he'll talk, Personally i think right now you should let him cry as much as he wants in awhile he will feel better, and realize that she probably didn't care about him as much as he cared for her.Give him time and he will be ready to take on the world.

This type of situation is just one of the “Facts of Life”. Statistically their relationship was NOT likely to work out past their first year of college. It is sad, especially for long term couples, but is the grim truth. Your son is going to need time to heal. Pushing him to talk to the girl is going to be counterproductive.

Right now support him, encourage him to talk about the situation. Don’t force him to talk just encourage him to talk. (Bottled up feelings is where self harm starts). Don’t speak poorly of his ex. He still loves this girl and if you talk poorly about her it could push him away from you.

At 18 you are going through a TON of changes! So it is hard to predict how things with relationships will happen.

For now do small things to cheer him up. Cook it favorite foods, offer to take him to do things he enjoys (Tennis, golf, ect), give him space, remind him that he is young and will meet so many new people at school.

You are good parent for being concerned!

I would advise to just be there for him. Don't force him to do anything or say anything. The fact he opened up to you already shows his trust. Listen and tell him it is going to hurt like hell. He is going to cry. Feel like he wants to die. Then things eventually get better. There is no reason to fluff it up because in a situation like that all he will feel is bad. I advise to just be there for him. Show that you love him continuously and his family will always have his back.

The trick is to let him know that it is "ok" to feel hurt. Tell him that the

ex-girlfriend needs to find out about herself, and where she wants her life

to go...what directions....that sort of thing. And that it does not have

anything to do with "him". And encourage him to go do some

different things....and meet some different people, --do not call

the ex-girlfriend...Is it time for a "vacation" for a while? even a few

days to "change his routine"....How about you and your son for a couple

days to "relax" and do something different? And ALSO stress

that his ex-girlfriend will NOT necessarily be happier-(as you and I both know).

Good luck-

well, she left him high and dry and I can honestly say, he will find someone new.. perhaps better. right now, he needs you guys more than ever.. just give him time.. its hard for him to imagine his life without her because he's been with her for so long... he forgot how to be happy on his own. but one day, he will.. you guys are good parents.. he needs that love and affection right now.

all he needs is time and love from the people that love him unconditionally and wouldn't dare to leave him the way she did.

all i can say for her is that karma will come her way one day and she's gonna get a taste of her medicine!