What to Do when Your Child is Sad

It could be something as big as their best friend moving away. Or maybe they found a dead baby bird on the sidewalk. Children, like adults, get sad and down in the dumps, too. As a parent, it's difficult to watch your child work through his/her sadness, so what can you do?

Allow your child some time to feel sad. Let your child know that it's okay to feel bad sometimes. Reinforce that you, as a parent, do as well, that it is just a part of life, and of growing up. The good part is, the sadness passes and a new day has the potential to bring happiness in other ways. A new friend, a bike ride on a path you've never ridden, a day at the beach.

We might not have control over everything, but we do have (some) control over our environment. Researchers have discovered that certain colors evoke different emotions from us. It stands to reason that other aspects of a room (like clean bed sheets, calming photos or paintings; uplifting music) would help lift the spirits of your child.

Boys, not just girls, need the freedom for the physical act of crying. Don't judge your child when they cry, allow them to cry in private if they wish, or sit there with them and offer hugs. Give them the time they need for this therapeutic release.

If your child is having a hard time dealing with his sadness, and we he will not confide in you, see if there is someone else he would be willing to talk to. Is there a neighbor friend who's slightly older? A babysitter he likes? A grandparent? Maybe an older cousin or aunt or uncle. As a parent, you should trust this person, too.

Spend time with your child. Take him to the zoo, the movies, the park, ask him what he'd like to do. Perhaps he loves fishing, or wants to watch an amateur baseball game you stumble across. This is perfect to get his mind off what's causing his sadness.

Schedule play dates with your child's friends, but don't overload him. Friends will take his mind off of what's bothering him, but you don't want to add stress to his day, either.

Once your child starts maturing he will be able to handle his emotions in the manner he was taught. It's helpful for children to see how you handle sadness as well. Remaining calm, distracting yourself and yet still allowing yourself to cry is a good model for your child to follow. The most important part is to show your child that it's okay to move on after the grieving process, because there are always new joys to be found.