As the year wraps up, many children (and parents!) are preparing for exciting new transitions—whether it’s a toddler starting school, a child meeting new teachers, a kindergartener graduating to primary school, or a teen heading to secondary school. Transitions can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety, often rooted in one thing: fear of the unknown.
Here are three ways to ease the journey and replace fear with confidence:
1. Talk about the changes early to prepare them for what’s coming.
- Starting the conversation early! Chatting about the new school or class can make it feel more familiar. When kids know what to expect, it can ease their worries and make transitions smoother.
- Creating a countdown or checklist can be a fun way for kids to look forward to the change! Try marking down days until school starts or packing a bag together.
- Books about school and transitions can be a great way to introduce what’s coming up! Small stories help big changes feel easier.
2. Practise routines together — builds confidence, eases anxiety, and makes transitions feel natural and exciting!
- Packing their school bag the night before helps build excitement and familiarity with the routine. Small steps build big confidence!
- Practice makes progress! Trying out the morning routine a few days before school starts can make the first day feel more natural.
- Create a fun goodbye ritual! Whether it’s a high-five or a secret handshake, little routines can help ease separation anxiety and make them feel secure.
3. Acknowledge their feelings—change is big, and they need to know it’s okay to feel a little nervous.
- It’s okay to feel nervous! Sometimes, just acknowledging their feelings is all it takes to help them feel understood.
- Listening to their concerns and letting them express their feelings can relieve anxiety. Change can be hard, but they don’t have to go through it alone.
- Encourage creative expression! Drawing, journaling, or even role-play can be wonderful ways for children to process their feelings about transitions.
With small steps, we can help make these transitions smoother and even joyful. Let’s embrace the new adventures together!
