Children and young people will be interested in the relationships they see around them, or in the media. In addition to the responses here you might also want to look at the question: Why do people get married? There is more in the Talking About section about love and relationships, depending on the age of your child.
3, 4 and 5-year-olds
A child this age may not phrase the question quite like this, they may be more likely to ask more personalised questions about whether you are happy or sad. You can also help them begin to express and understand their feelings. Should the question arise, this short answer may help start a conversation.
People are happy when their partner (husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend) is kind and caring. People can be sad when someone is mean to them.
6, 7 and 8-year-olds
9 and 10-year-olds
11 and 12 year-olds
A relationship is when two people want to be together and have strong feelings for each other. When people are in a relationship they might live together or might get married. People are happy in a relationship when their partner is kind and respectful. People can be sad in a relationship when their partner doesn’t treat them well, when they are unkind.
13, 14 and 15 year-olds
16, 17 and 18 year-olds
Happy relationships are built on things like trust and honesty. People are happy when they feel that their partner respects them and treats them well. Couples are happy when they have a shared plan, things they both want to achieve. Happy couples support each other and even though they have their independence, spending time together makes them happy.
Of course, every relationship has its ups and downs, but if you have good things in place, it is possible to get back to happier times.
People in relationships can be sad when they feel their trust has been broken. Or maybe their partner is critical of them, or always thinks they are right. Arguing can make people feel sad. Of course, any sign of verbal abuse or physical violence is not acceptable, someone should always get help. If you were ever sad or worried in a relationship you can always come to me, I will always listen to you, and we can work out the best thing to do.