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Contact: Elaine Hatfield, 956-6276	Air Date: June 26, 1998

Crush's Symptoms Should Be Familiar to Adults   He thinks about her a lot-and thinks she's wonderful. She's always talking about him. She seems to idealize him. His mood flies high when she pays attention and she's devastated when he seems to ignore her. Sounds like adults in love. But it also describes kids with a crush. Children experience feelings that are similar to those felt by adults, but usually without the sexual overtones, says Elaine Hatfield. Hatfield, a University of Hawaii professor, is known nationally for her research on emotions and moods. And children mimic adult behavior in figuring out how to behave toward the object of their affection. It's all part of learning how relationships work. Don't trivialize a child's crush, Hatfield advises. Acknowledge a child's feelings without belittling their behavior. Let children know what actions are appropriate and consult your pediatrician if the crush seems to spawn inappropriate behavior. This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.

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