 | Disappointment when young is a great opportunity to build resilience & confidence. |
Half of us wanted Trump and half Clinton. So that means half of us are disappointed. If your kids were one of those kids, it is hard. My kids asked me if we might go to war, and also worried about why a man who didn't like women was president. That is a pretty hard one to deal with. I can't explain that and no matter what I do as a mom, it will be hard to walk away from this without them getting the message that respecting women isn't a prerequisite for being very rich, successful and even the President. We are all tired of the division in this country but let's learn from our mistakes and see if we can become a united nation—starting with us and our families and, our children who are always watching.
5 Tips to Help Disappointed Kids
I don't like having my kids sad or disappointed, just like you. But psychologically this is an OPPORTUNITY to build confidence and resilience in children. We might as well seize it! Here are some tips from a variety of sources to help kids suffering from disappointment:
- Allow your children to feel disappointment about the setback; Don't "spin" the situation to make your children feel better;
- Support your children, but don't give them a consolation prize;
- Keep the regular rhythm of the day. This will give the children a sense that no matter what is swirling around them, life moves forward and they are safe.
- Be especially mindful of your own inner experiences and how they may have an impact on your child.
- Be gentle with each other as parents and adults. Set the example.
Helpful video and sources
Here is a video specifically on the topic of this election that covers talking with your kids on important lessons to take away.
Sources: Video, Good Morning America and message from our head of school, Julie Amberg
Articles: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201106/parenting-disappointment-is-good, http://www.cubsstudy.com/2015/04/how-to-help-our-kids-to-build-his.html,
http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/social/helping-kids-deal-with-disappointment/, http://www.parents.com/kids/development/behavioral/failure-is-an-option/
Sources: Video, Good Morning America and message from our head of school, Julie Amberg
Articles: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201106/parenting-disappointment-is-good, http://www.cubsstudy.com/2015/04/how-to-help-our-kids-to-build-his.html,
http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/social/helping-kids-deal-with-disappointment/, http://www.parents.com/kids/development/behavioral/failure-is-an-option/
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