It is natural for parents to want to protect their kids from disappointments and failures in life. However, it is unrealistic for a person to grow up without going through several ups and downs in life.
PARENTS.com shared some tips on how to help kids face different disappointments. If a child learns how to deal with failures, he or she will have a greater chance of finding success in the future.
"Because you have to experience both the ups and downs to develop a sense of self, to have islands of confidence, to have things you believe you're good at and use to carry you along. You can't only have success," Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., told PARENTS.
1. The world can sometimes give your kid a bad hand.
Knowing and recognizing the fact that life deals a bad hand to everyone at different points in their lives is important. An example is a kid who is assigned a more difficult task compared to his classmates. Instead of seeing it as a bad thing, help your kid look at it at a positive light -- that what happened is actually an opportunity to show everyone his abilities and skills.
2. People who are close to your kid can sometimes let him down.
Promises could always be broken, and your child will realize that through the broken promises of people important to him. This realization will definitely upset your kid. Instead of dismissing your child's upset feelings, try to open up a conversation about his feelings.
"Ask them, 'What do you want to do with that feeling?'" Dr. Goldstein shared with PARENTS. If your child digs in deep, saying she won't invite her BFF to tag along on her next outing, you can follow up with an open-ended question, like 'Is that really what you want to do?' If she has a change of heart later, help her navigate the situation by asking what she would like to say when inviting the friend.
3. Sometimes, your kid will try his best but will fail anyway.
This situation can be very heartbreaking and parents need to be there to help their kids get through it. Talking to your kids about possible reasons for their failure, letting them know that all people fail at life at times as well as helping them formulate backup plans are effective ways to help kids cope with failure.
Being gentle but truthful when talking with kids is also important, according to PTA.
