Notice the signs
How might it show up?
Becomes increasingly noticeable as children develop stronger expectations, plans, preferences, and social hopes.
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A little parent guide
Disappointment
A low or unhappy feeling that happens when something we hoped for does not happen as expected.
One parent to another
Mom is here with you.
Start with the basics
What is disappointment?
A low or unhappy feeling that happens when something we hoped for does not happen as expected.
A thought for parents
What can a parent do?
Acknowledge the gap between what a child hoped for and what happened. You can be supportive without pretending the disappointment is not real.
A normal part of growing
Is disappointment normal in childhood?
Very common because childhood includes limits, changes of plan, mistakes, and hopes that sometimes do not work out.
Keep exploring
Stories and play
Feelings can be easier to understand when children meet them in stories, play, and everyday conversations.