Feeling disappointed? That’s okay
Feeling disappointed means feeling sad because something did not happen the way you hoped.
When do we feel it?
When we lose a game. When it rains on the day of a trip. When a friend can’t come over to play. Everyone feels disappointed sometimes, even grown-ups and champions!
Even sports stars
This week, Kerala Blasters’ fans hoped for a win at home. The game ended 0–0. Lots of fans felt disappointed! And Manisha (page 13) was losing 0–6. She felt it too. But she kept going.
It doesn’t last
Big feelings are like waves. They come, and then they go. Talking about it helps the wave pass faster.
When you feel disappointed
1
Notice it
Your face feels hot, or you want to cry. That is okay.
2
Breathe
Take three slow breaths, in through your nose.
3
Say it
“I feel disappointed because I wanted to win.”
4
Be kind
Say “good game” and think: what can I try next time?
Draw it
Draw a time you felt disappointed. Then draw what made you feel better.
Did you know?Losing a game helps your brain learn. Next time, you will know a little more!
Nibbles asksWhat is something kind you could say to a friend who just lost a game?
For grown-ups: Resist the urge to fix disappointment straight away. Naming the feeling (“You really wanted that”) helps children feel understood. Letting them lose fairly at board games at home is good practice.