A lot is going on in the election season, regardless of your vote. The American Psychological Association survey in August found that 7 out of 10 adults cite politics as a major cause of stress. No matter who wins the upcoming election, a majority of American adults are likely to be disappointed afterwards.
It doesn’t matter if it’s an election, a change in plans, a natural catastrophe, an accident, or anything else unexpected; things don’t go as planned. Even though it’s not always a part of life to get what you want, it’s still hard for adults to manage their emotions when bad things occur. It can be especially difficult for children who are just learning to recognize and manage their feelings.
Here’s some advice to help your children deal with disappointments.
1. Empathize with and validate your child’s feelings
Disappointment comes in many shapes and sizes. Your child’s feelings of disappointment are valid, regardless of what caused it. It’s important to support your child as they deal with their disappointment. Listen to them, empathize with them, and comfort them. You can comfort them by listening to their concerns, empathizing with them and expressing your understanding.
2. When modelling healthy coping strategies, set boundaries
When life’s disappointments occur, emotions such as sadness, frustration and anger can be triggered. As with any negative emotion, it is okay to experience it but not to hurt someone else. Teach your children that being upset is fine, but they must control their behaviour. You should discuss your expectations with them when they’re not upset and then follow those guidelines even when they’re upset. Also, be sure to model healthy reactions to frustration and anger to show them that it takes everyone to deal with big emotions.
3. Communication with Adults in your Child’s Life
Some disappointments take longer to heal. Make sure you tell the adults around your child if they experience something that is causing them to lose their routine. The effects of major disappointments include difficulty sleeping, mood swings and behavioural problems. Childwatch makes it easy for guardians and caretakers to send quick messages to communicate major disappointments or disruptions.
4. Focus on the good
Often, disappointing situations are also teaching experiences. To deal constructively with disappointment, try to see the positive side of the problem. Encourage your child to be positive and look at other possibilities. Teach them gratitude. By focusing on the next chance for success, you can avoid disappointment. Remind your child, even if it feels impossible, that disappointment will eventually pass.
5. Incorporate Calming Exercises
Growing up involves learning to deal with disappointment and other big feelings. If you think your child has trouble coping with the small upsets or can’t seem to recover from them, it might be time to seek professional help. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven way to help individuals manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Speak to a professional for solutions. These may include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies.
