5 ways to help kids manage disappointment due to COVID-19

Amidst the chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic, kids and teens everywhere find themselves missing out on many of the activities they were looking forward to this spring. No sports, no spring recitals, it could even mean no graduation ceremonies and no proms. How can you help your kids and teens manage their disappointment during this time filled with so many unknowns?

1. Validate their feelings and help them put a name to what they are feeling.  “It’s ok to feel disappointed about this.”
2. Let them know that you also feel disappointed or sad about these things.
3. Model appropriate ways of handling their emotions. They are going to look to you for how to respond appropriately!
4. Help them gain perspective. While it may feel like the end of the world, it isn’t the end of the world.
5. Find other ways to celebrate.  Be inventive. 

It is also important to not set expectations for things we don’t know. Help your kids understand that we don’t know how long these changes might last but that you can work together to find other ways to celebrate.

Learn more form child psychologist, Brenda Miceli, PhD, on how to talk to your kids about their disapointments and feelings right now.