No matter how much we would like to protect our children from the pains of life, sometimes it’s just not possible. There are times when your child will face disappointment. They lose a favorite toy, their heart breaks after a crush, or a friend that talks behind their back. We may not like it, but there are things you can do when handling your child?s disappointment.

In its simplest terms, disappointment occurs when what we’ve expected to happen doesn’t materialize. Learning to handle disappointments is an important skill to have in life. The sooner children learn this skill, the better off they’ll be.
Here are some ideas you can use to help your child deal with disappointment:

1. Acknowledge how your child feels. Help them express their disappointment in words rather than acting out in anger. Try focusing on something positive. If your child wanted a particular console game but got a different one, suggest that the person who bought the gift may like to play with them.

2. Offer your child love and support when they are disappointed. You may say, I know you’re disappointed, but would a hug help? Help them think of things they can do to wish a friend happy birthday if they can’t make it to the party.

3. Put things into perspective. If you overreact when your child is disappointed about something small, they’ll be more likely to overreact as well. Let them know that there’s always tomorrow if they’re disappointed about not getting a turn on the slide or swings at the park.

4. Tell them about a time you were disappointed when you were a child so they know they’re not the only ones who feel that way. If you dealt successfully with the disappointment, share what you did.

5. Help your child understand that their expectations may have been unrealistic. If they wanted to play two sports at school, let them know that there wasn’t enough time to do both. If they want to try the second sport, they may do so next year.

6. Show them that there are proper ways to handle the strong emotions they may feel. Rather than kicking the cat or hitting a sibling, tell them that it?s alright if they cry or take their frustration out in some constructive way like hammering nails into a board.

7. Think of ways to help your child cope. Maybe instead of getting frustrated because a friend is sick and can’t come over to play, you can help them make a get well card.

8. Acknowledge their efforts to handle disappointment. I know that having a broken arm doesn’t allow you to roller skate until it’s healed, but I’m glad you’ve decided to take this time to learn to paint.

Disappointments are sure to come to your children, often at an early age. Teaching your child to handle disappointment is important and will serve them well during the rest of their life. Following these ideas may not guarantee your child will never be disappointed again, but it will help you both to get through the disappointment sooner.