What to Do When the Child Is Sad?

Sadness is a normal and healthy reaction to a negative or stressful situation. This is especially true for children. Any sad event, whether big or small, can deeply affect him because he does not have enough experience and is not a mature person to deal with the problems that adults face.

Signs of sadness:

• low self-esteem,

• apathy,

• aggressivity,

• declining results in kindergarten/school,

• significant changes in eating habits (eating too little or too much),

• he feels guilty and ashamed,

• lack of energy and motivation,

• fatigue and headache.

Some children manage to cope with these feelings by overcoming them in a short time and without much worry. For others, however, it is more difficult.

No formula can help protect your child from such emotions. However, the role of the parent is not to protect the little one from negative emotions, but to teach him how to overcome them.

How to overcome sadness in 5 simple steps.

Help the child name what he or she is feeling

For this, it is necessary to provide the child with a context in which he will feel safe. For example, organize a drawing night. Try not to be like a parent, but a friend.

You can choose to color a sad character in which the little one will identify his moods. Usually, the drawing clearly expresses how the little painter feels. Talk to the child about drawing and try to find out the cause of your sadness. But don't force it. If you feel that the discussion is stressful, change the subject, then you can come back later or on another occasion.

Give her emotional support and affection

Emotional support from the family is the main element of subsequent social relationships. Encourage him, hug him, praise him. Tell him that you love him and that he is not alone, that you will always be with him. Encourage sincere discussion and listen to what he has to say. Acknowledge your weaknesses so that you understand that you are not the only one who may have difficulties.

Try to team up with the problem that fuels sadness

Once you have identified the reason for the sadness, given the feeling of security and support from you, you can team up to fight the sadness.

Teach your kid how to deal with the problem. Tell a similar story you went through, or tell a story in which the main character went through the child's situation exactly. Give the story a happy ending, whether the problem is solved or not. This way the child will understand that whatever it is, everything will be fine.

Make your program more active

Physical and mental health are closely linked. A healthy lifestyle can help you manage your sadness. Of course, do not try to force the child to lead a healthy lifestyle, to eat healthy, if you do not do it personally. Be subtle in your suggestions by setting your example. Sooner or later, he will want to follow your example.

Help him connect with friends in various activities

When they are sad, little ones tend to isolate themselves, and lack of interaction can lead to depression. You can't get your child to make friends or force them to socialize.

Some children find it difficult to interact socially and make friends. Try to find activities outside of school hours or activities for children. You can even arrange meetings with friends who have children the age of your child. They will not miss the opportunity to play together.

Mature or child, everyone faces the feeling of sadness. It is important to accept that this emotion exists. Let the child cry if he has this need. But no matter what the circumstances, we need to make it clear that we are with him, and that this is a passing feeling.