If your teen's been let down, they're probably hurting. It's not stupid or childish to feel like this.

In 1999, vets in Lucknow, northern India, attributed the death of Damini the elephant to a broken heart after the death of a close companion.

If grief can kill an elephant, don't underestimate its effect on a teenager.

How does it feel?
Miserable. Your teen has been rejected. Some teenagers feel that they have failed - remind them relationships aren't like exams. Sometimes a friend may have come between them, in which case your teenager will have to deal with the betrayal of their friendship as well. If you - or their friends - disapproved of their relationship, your teen may feel humiliated and embarrassed about discussing it, after defending their choice for so long.

Things that help
Dissuade your daughter from having an impulsive haircut. There's something about breakups that make girls feel compelled to get 1" crops. She can always do it later if she still wants do but what's done in haste can't be undone. A facial or aromatherapy massage can boost a girl's morale. New clothes work well for both sexes.

Photos of your own ex boy/girlfriends are good for instilling a sense of perspective. Your teen will find these photos hysterically funny so remember to tell them how much you adored the unfortunates at the time.

Be less strict about curfews - encourage them to get out and meet new people, not just potential boy/girlfriends. Now's the time for treats, attention, pizza, chocolate and small indulgences like later bedtimes.

Getting over it
Friends rapidly lose patience with lovesick teenagers so try and be there to listen. As a rule, teenage boys are most unsympathetic to their mate's woes. Dumped boys often prefer the company of women, as women are often better at talking about feelings. Be optimistic. A break-up can be the impetus for self-improvement. And, if you handle it well now, it'll be easier for your teen to cope next time.

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