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.
2. Ask questions. Ensure that you understand what’s really bothering your child. Maybe they’re concerned about how this unusual senior year will affect their college prospects or maybe they’re more focused on staying in touch with their friends.
3. Offer perspective. The pandemic is a relatively small percentage of your lifetime, but it can be more overwhelming for someone under 18. Let your kids know that at least some of the restrictions will be lifted eventually.
4. Be honest. At the same time, you want to avoid making unrealistic promises. Share truthful and age-appropriate information.
5. Think positive. It’s also important to remind yourself and your children that there are still many things to look forward to. Try to be curious and hopeful about what the future holds in store.
Other Coping Strategies to Help Your Kids Deal with Disappointment
Skillful communication will help relieve doubts and fears. Then, you can work with your child on how to take concrete action.