Discussion Guide: Handling Disappointment with Perspective

Objective: Help students develop emotional resilience by applying three key questions to process disappointment, such as not being invited to a party.

Discussion Questions & Activities

1. How could it have been worse?

   • Ask students: "Has there ever been a time when you felt left out or disappointed? How did you feel in that moment?"
   • Activity: Create a "Could Be Worse" challenge. Have students brainstorm exaggerated scenarios that would have been way worse than the actual situation.
   • Example: "Imagine not only were you not invited, but the whole school threw a party celebrating how much they don’t like you. That would be WAY worse!"
   • Lesson: When we realize things could be much worse, it makes our actual situation seem more manageable.

2. Why won’t this matter in your future?

   • Ask students: "Think of something you were upset about a year ago. Do you still care about it today?"
   • Discussion: Explain that most problems feel big in the moment but fade over time. Ask, "What’s something that seemed like a big deal before but doesn’t bother you now?"
   • Lesson: If something won’t affect your future, it doesn’t have to control your emotions now.

3. How could this turn out for your good?

   • Ask students: "Can you think of a time when something disappointing actually turned out to be a good thing?"
   • Examples: "Maybe you didn’t get invited to a party, but that night you had an awesome time with your family instead."
   • Activity: "Silver Lining Swap" – Have students take a “bad” situation and find a way it might actually be good.
   • Lesson: Every disappointment has a hidden advantage if we look for it.

Wrap-Up Message:

Disappointments happen to everyone, but by shifting our perspective, we can manage our emotions and even find the positives in tough situations. Remind students: "It could be worse, it won’t matter in the future, and it might actually be a good thing!"

PLAY THE GAME BELOW!!! You will love it.