Just as we recommend listening to, empathizing with, and validating your child’s emotions, you need to experience feeling heard and understood. Talking with someone (or a few people) who can listen, empathize, and validate helps you process the feelings and feel less alone.
Potential listeners could be: a close friend; a group of parents on the playground or at kids' activities; a counselor, clergy person, or therapist; or another parent with whom you regularly exchange listening time.