Talking to Kids About Sadness – Why It’s OK to Grieve, Feel Disappointed, or Let Down

We never want our children to feel anything but happy and content, but there will be times that our little ones will experience some form of sadness. While cheering them up or helping fix the problem is any parent’s goal, it’s important that we let our kids know that it’s perfectly okay to feel sadness in order to cope with an unpleasant issue or emotional moment.

Here are some useful tips in order to help your child process sad feelings and come out on the other side with smiles and a proper resolution to whatever caused this sadness.

Give Permission to Feel the Sadness 

Your child might feel like he’s misbehaving or not pleasing you if he shows evidence of sadness. Assure him that sadness is totally normal and nothing to have to hide or be ashamed of. Whether it’s something as small as losing a ball on the playground or as tragic as a death of a loved one, the appropriate amount of sadness should be felt in order to get through things. Allowing the feeling to run its course is a healing experience and will give him time to sort through his emotions, and when it’s time, to let them go. And there is no reason to feel guilty about feeling happy again. Loved ones will feel good knowing that your child has taken time to get over the hump and turn out ok again.

The Sadness Will Subside 

At the peak of the sadness, your child may feel like things will never get better. Assure him that the feeling will pass and things will turn around. He can make this happen with your guidance and compassion. Help him work through the issue to find a resolution or a reason to look for the bright side. Your comforting words and direction will help him cope and overcome after allowing him to feel the sadness. Time heals all wounds as they say.

It Happens to Everyone 

Sadness is human. Teach your child that at one point or another, everyone has been or will be sad. Talk about the times when you’ve been sad and why and how you eventually got through those upsetting moments. Knowing you’ve been there too will reassure your child that his feelings are valid and won’t last forever.

With the understanding that sadness is a feeling that’s normal and appropriate at times, your child will learn how to manage his emotions with positivity and assurance and before you know it, happiness and joy will shine through.

For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay