That's Life: Helping Kids Deal with Disappointment

Disappointment can actually be good for kids -- especially when you teach them how to bounce back.

By Meghan Rabbitt

Prev 1 2 3 (of 5) Next

How Kids Benefit from Disappointment

Whether it's a trip to the playground that gets ruined by rain or there are no more chocolate sprinkles at the ice cream shop, life is full of little and big disappointments. And as much as we'd like to spare our kids from letdowns, we can't -- and that's a good thing. "When children learn at an early age that they have the tools to get over a disappointing situation, they'll be able to rely on that throughout childhood and even as adults," says Robert Brooks, PhD, coauthor of Raising Resilient Children. "If you bend over backwards to shield them from disappointment, you're keeping them from developing some important skills."

That's not to say you shouldn't lend a hand. "If you help a child learn to ask for realistic support, lean on others, communicate well, and stay optimistic, you're assisting that child to handle what life throws at him," says Dr. Brooks. The most effective approach: Tailor your tactics to how your child currently reacts when a curveball comes his way.

Next: When Minor Problems Cause Big Tantrums

What do you think of this story? Tell Us.