Sad or Upset
What does sadness look like for your kid?
Sadness is a natural feeling that everyone experiences. Kids might feel sad over a fight with a friend, losing something they value, or because they're having difficulty in school. Sadness can be a healthy indicator of possessing empathy and serves an important role in flagging a need for help or comfort.
It's important to initiate regular conversations with your kid about coping with sadness when they feel it. Keep in mind that some children might manifest their sadness as anger and irritability. Try to read between the lines and uncover the source of their frustration.
Actions to start a conversation
Tell your kid that you've noticed that they don't seem like themselves. Ask them directly if they're feeling sad or upset. Sometimes it helps to start with a general statement like, "sometimes kids can feel sad."
Actions to do while listening
While your kid is talking, try not to interrupt or jump in with solutions. When they've finished, you might summarize or rephrase what has been said to check your understanding, then tell your kid that you're grateful that they shared what they're feeling.
Actions to understand
If your kid is having a hard time communicating why they're upset, you can ask if there was anything in particular that made them feel this way. Ask if there's more you should know, or if there's anything that might help them feel better.