How to Prepare a Child for Disappointment

One of the hardest concepts for a young child to grasp is disappointment. As a parent, you want your young one to be prepared for anything, and so it's important to talk to you child about the disappointments he might face. While it certainly isn't the most fun topic to broach with your kid, if the child is prepared to cope with feelings of unfairness, disillusionment, and potential discontent then it will help him to face times of adversity with clarity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by researching the best way to communicate with your child during a life-altering event. From bullying to death, try to think of any possible hurdles and read up on her.

2. Have an open forum for discussion on a regular basis. If your child brings up the misfortune of others, show him how to be empathetic. Then ask him how he would handle the same situation if faced with it. Or, make up scenarios where he might face disappointment then talk through it as a family and teach him how to handle it.

3. Reassure her that she can tell you anything and you will still love her. It is a documented fact that when children feel secure they are less depressed and adapt easier.

4. Offer a back-up person that you trust, for him to lean on. That way if something embarrassing happens that he doesn’t want to share with you then you know he will turn to a responsible adult for support.

5. Offer daily routine (with some flexibility). When a child is disappointed in one thing then at least she can rest assured that the rest of her world is stable and reliable.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t be scared to talk about anything with your child, because if you don't someone else will.

[Nazi]

on 1/28/2009 gret subject! it is very important to children who khnow that they can trust someone even when they make mistake. it teaches them to be honest.thanks.

[Nazi]

on 1/28/2009 great

[dindell001]

on 5/15/2008 i am sorry that i made the comment on5/15/08 with regards to how to prepare your child for disappointment i just want to say that it is very important to do this for your children. again great article and also i am sorry for my stupid and rude comment before this one thank you dindell001

[dindell001]

on 5/15/2008 maybe you could raise my son since you think your so smart ha.