There’s a popular song that says, “You can’t always get what you want.” Sometimes things don’t work out the way that we want them to. Being prepared with the social skills to handle disappointment in these moments is an important part of social maturity.
While it may feel better to react with anger, frustration, or sadness when things don’t go your way, learning how to handle disappointment with grace can help you:
- remain calm
- build better relationships with peers
- identify solutions
- feel more confident
How to Handle Disappointment
So let’s say you and a friend had a plan to play outside, but by the time recess rolled around, it was pouring down rain outside. What can you do to handle the disappointment?
- Pause and Take a Deep Breath (maybe take a few!)
- Use Positive Self-Talk (“it’s okay that it’s raining; it can’t rain forever!”)
- Ask for Help if you don’t understand why things can’t go the way you want them to
- Think of Other Options (instead of playing outside, can you play your game inside?)
- Practice Waiting (sometimes patience is all you need to get what you’re hoping for)
- Talk About Your Feelings (sharing your feelings of disappointment or frustration can help you feel understood and supported)
Next time something doesn’t go your way, try these steps to help you remain calm so you can come up with alternatives or work through the disappointment. The activities, homework, and other resources in this social skills lesson module will help you teach your students how to handle disappointment when things don’t go their way.
These special education resources for accepting change were authored by Watson Institute’s special education consultant, Andee Morris, M.Ed.
PowerPoint Presentations:
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Facilitator’s Guide
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way PowerPoint Presentation
Social Skills Resources Materials:
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Activity
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Homework
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Magnet Card
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Mini Schedule
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Outline
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Teacher Note
What to Do When I Can’t Get My Way Parent Note
If you have any questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.