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, A PARENT’S GUIDE TO HELPING
YOUR KIDS DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT
A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Kids Deal with Disappointment
Disappointment is a normal part of life, and the lockdowns due to COVID-19 caused
some major disappointments while disrupting lives everywhere. Across the country,
kids missed out on big events like graduations and summer vacations, as well as
ordinary daily activities like hanging out with friends.
It’s enough to make anyone feel a little sad and discouraged.
It’s also natural for parents to want to shield children from such unpleasant
situations. However, dealing with losses can be a beneficial experience. Otherwise,
your sons and daughters may struggle when they run into bigger letdowns as adults.
How can you guide your children without taking over?
Try these ideas for helping your kids to deal with disappointment.
Talking with Your Kids about Disappointment
There are major differences between dwelling on disappointments, trying to
suppress them, and dealing with them constructively. Your child will probably find it
easier to move on if they can talk about their feelings.
Try these techniques to talk with your kids about their disappointments:
1. Show empathy. Help your child to accept their feelings. Validate their
experiences even if they’re different from your own. Avoid saying anything
that could sound judgmental or dismissive.
1
, A PARENT’S GUIDE TO HELPING
YOUR KIDS DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT
A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Kids Deal with Disappointment
Disappointment is a normal part of life, and the lockdowns due to COVID-19 caused
some major disappointments while disrupting lives everywhere. Across the country,
kids missed out on big events like graduations and summer vacations, as well as
ordinary daily activities like hanging out with friends.
It’s enough to make anyone feel a little sad and discouraged.
It’s also natural for parents to want to shield children from such unpleasant
situations. However, dealing with losses can be a beneficial experience. Otherwise,
your sons and daughters may struggle when they run into bigger letdowns as adults.
How can you guide your children without taking over?
Try these ideas for helping your kids to deal with disappointment.
Talking with Your Kids about Disappointment
There are major differences between dwelling on disappointments, trying to
suppress them, and dealing with them constructively. Your child will probably find it
easier to move on if they can talk about their feelings.
Try these techniques to talk with your kids about their disappointments:
1. Show empathy. Help your child to accept their feelings. Validate their
experiences even if they’re different from your own. Avoid saying anything
that could sound judgmental or dismissive.
1
