Rejection can sometimes be so intense it feels like physical pain – a punch in the guts or a heart that aches. It often involves feeling left out and not wanted. And it can make us question our self worth.

At school, students may put themselves forward for a range of leadership positions and extra curricular opportunities. They may audition for the lead role in a play, compete for a spot in the top sports team or solo in the school band. While these are great opportunities for personal development, not every student can be chosen.

Even outside of school, kids and teens may miss out on a party invite, or be knocked back from a part-time job or university entry.

As a parent, it can be painful to witness our child’s struggles after rejection. We can feel their hurt but be unsure of how to help.

Rejection is often personal, but it can also affect close relationships, peer groups, and affect social status or achievement. For example, a teen who didn’t get accepted into a sports team may have fewer opportunities to spend time with friends who did.

For children who are new to rejection, identifying and........

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