hile young romance isn't new, many of the issues associated with it are. Today's young adolescents face pressures that didn't exist a generation ago, and this leaves many parents feeling confused and overwhelmed, according to Margaret Sagarese, co-author of Boy Crazy: Keeping Your Daughter's Feet on the Ground When Her Head Is in the Clouds (Broadway Books, 2006).

But Sagarese suggests these approaches can deprive parents and children of the opportunity to talk about important issues related to building and maintaining healthy relationships, today and later in life.

'Girls can be mean to each other, and `mean girl' behavior can impact romantic relationships,'' Sagarese said. ``If a friend treats your daughter badly one day and treats her like a best friend the next, your child might think this is natural. The same might go for boyfriends.

The key is to build trust so your child will feel comfortable coming to you and sharing information about her life, Sagarese said. Create a ''talk-to-me'' environment. Get to know your child's friends. Pay attention to her mood and behavior. And keep the lines of communication open.

By promoting open communication and remaining involved and available, you can help your children develop the skills to build healthy, satisfying relationships during their adolescence and throughout life.

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