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Feelings & Togetherness

Explore together · A short start and more to discover

What is disappointment?

Puschel's plan does not work out. Flauschi gives him time for his disappointment.

Puschel and Flauschi sit beside an unused picnic basket under a rain shelter.
A Wusel story to explore.

The short answer

Disappointment happens when things turn out differently from what you hoped. You may feel sad or angry. You can ask for support and do not have to find a bright side straight away.

Puschel and Flauschi sit beside an unused picnic basket under a rain shelter.
Puschel and Flauschi sit beside an unused picnic basket under a rain shelter.

An imagined Wusel scene

Puschel and Flauschi investigate

Puschel is looking forward to their outing. When it is cancelled, he pushes his bag away. Flauschi sits with him and listens without immediately suggesting a replacement. Only later does he ask if they could plan another small activity.

Try explaining it

This question is about a fictional situation and considerate actions, not about which feelings you should have.

The outing is cancelled. What gives Puschel room for disappointment?

Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.

  • a)Ask whether he wants to talk or have quiet first.
  • b)Force him to be cheerful immediately.
  • c)Tell him that feeling is forbidden.
Show the explanation

Correct: a): Ask whether he wants to talk or have quiet first.

Disappointment happens when things turn out differently from what you hoped. You may feel sad or angry. You can ask for support and do not have to find a bright side straight away.

Think about it, if you like

You can use the fictional situation; you do not have to share personal experiences.

An outing is cancelled. What might help someone who feels disappointed?

One possible idea

You could ask whether they want to talk or have some quiet first. A replacement plan can wait. There is no single right response.

Explore in more detail

Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.

Understand step by step

What does this mean in everyday life?

Examples are possible situations. You need not feel a particular emotion or share a personal story.

Possible thoughts and support

Separate hope and outcome

You expect a trip but it is cancelled. The gap between wish and reality can disappoint.

Feelings may differ

You may be sad, angry or both. Nobody must react like the picture.

Support before instant replacement

An adult can listen. Later consider another plan if wanted. A replacement need not erase disappointment immediately.

References for this explanation: [1]

The key points again

Discovery 1

Disappointment can arise when something turns out differently from what we hoped.

Source: [1]

Discovery 2

It may feel like sadness, anger or both. People experience it differently.

Source: [1]

Discovery 3

You may name the feeling and ask for support. You do not have to find a bright side immediately.

Source: [1]

Pictures and sources for adults