Tips to help children combat sadness

When we feel sad our mood declines . In children it is no different and just because they are small it does not have to be less important. There are several styles of sadness, among which temporary and permanent sadness stand out.

The first has to do with isolated events, when something has been lost, which although it can be replaced, is of relative importance or because certain opportunities have not been taken advantage of. Permanent sadness has to do with deeper losses or disappointments that imply the fact of not being able to replace what was lost, which, in addition, usually has a loneliness factor associated with it.

If you want to help your son or daughter combat the feeling of sadness, it is recommended:

– Look closely at what causes this sensation and allow him to experience his “pain.” There are circumstances that are shocking and hard in themselves and in the minds of children they become monsters. The loss of a family member, friend or pet or a very prized possession (e.g., the house in which one lives), moving, changing schools, etc., can give a feeling of loneliness and isolation . We must treat the child more delicately and guide him so that her mood improves.

– Sometimes a physical disorder can also cause depression and sadness since work cannot be done normally and depression occurs . Health is essential. Going to the doctor is the best thing in these cases to recommend the treatment to follow.

– Sudden changes sometimes involve moving away from what is loved and provides security. You should talk to the child and help him adapt to the new environment where he is or the people he shares with him.

– Disappointments can bring small or large feelings of dissatisfaction for not having achieved a goal: a sports competition, passing an exam or the betrayal of a loved one. You should talk to the boy or girl and encourage him or her to see the positive in the situation and to understand that people can make mistakes and behave inappropriately, and that they must be given time.

– Also in interpersonal relationships , some children tend to have very aggressive or manipulative behaviors that can make other children sad, since they make them feel “outside the group” for not doing what they are told.

The important thing is to make our son or daughter see that they should not allow themselves to be pressured by anything they do not want to do or that harms them, and that it is better to avoid conflictive situations by staying away from this type of relationship. You can always choose better friendships that respect and are more enriching.

– Sports and artistic activities allow children to have contact with other children who have the same interests and who feel joy in pursuing and sharing them. The constant participation of children in these groups will allow them to have a very positive factor in their lives that naturally combats sadness.

– Taking trips, excursions and walks with family and friends allows you to release stress and have a more positive and joyful attitude towards daily life. – We should never insult them . If we want to sanction or refute inappropriate behavior, the correct thing to do is to attack the attitude and not the child as a person. Phrases like: “you are a fool”, “you are an idiot”, “you are irresponsible”, “you are worthless”, “you have fed up with me”, “I don’t know what to do with you anymore”, etc., can be replaced by: “you did something stupid”, “that’s stupid”, “you had an irresponsible attitude “, “what you did doesn’t make any sense”, “I feel very disappointed by what you did”, “I know that together we can find a solution”, which imply a call to reflect on what has been done and do not depress you by making you feel devalued or less of a person.