Helping Children Handle Loss and Disappointment
Losing is not limited to games. Children may feel disappointed when they are not chosen for an activity, do not get the toy they wanted, make a mistake, or cannot do something as quickly as others. These everyday moments teach children an important life skill: how to face disappointment and keep going. Through the everyday adventures of Louie and Douie , children can learn that life does not always go according to plan. Sometimes things feel unfair, difficult, or disappointing—but every setback can teach us something new. Let Them Feel Disappointed When something does not go as planned, children may cry, become quiet, or feel angry. Instead of dismissing their feelings, acknowledge them calmly. You can say, “You really wanted that to happen, and it feels disappointing when it doesn’t.” This helps children understand that feeling sad or frustrated is normal. After they feel heard, they may be more ready to think about what they can do next. Louie and Douie can model this by listening t...