Stress caused by change and transtitions.
#1 Process and Acknowledge the Feeling.
Change is often uncomfortable as you move out of your comfort zone and experience the unknown. With any change, it is necessary to process the feelings, anxieties, worries, sadness as well as the positive feelings. It is important to validate that it is ok to be nervous and anxious. Have a chat with your child, share with them your anxiety to help them to understand that it is ok to be anxious and how you can deal with it together with them. For example: “I get it, change is scary. Change is hard. Let’s talk about it. . I want to hear how you feel, and it’s okay.”
#2 Start the Conversation Early.
It is important to start discussion early with your child so you could help them time to prepare mentally for the change. During the conversation, you may encourage them to ask questions about the change. Help them to know what to expect for the change, we may not be able to have a perfect answer or scenario and that is ok, we can do the best that we could. For example, if your child is going to a new school, you may bring your child to the school or nearby the vicinity to explore together and have further discussions.
#3 Read Books About Change and Transitions.
Children’s books are one of the most powerful way to help children to learn about change and transition. It helps them to process and have a conversation about change and transitions. Through stories, it helped them to normalize their feelings and relate to the characters and learn to cope with their emotions. Recommended books to read: https://www.readbrightly.com/books-about-change/
#4 Be Involved!
Getting your child involve in the new change helps them to feel mentally prepared and be more in control of their environment when they are a participant in change. For example, packing their bags to prepare for a new school.
#5 Stay Consistent in Other Areas.
While there is change happening, it may easy for routines to slip up. But try to stick to these routines as much as possible to help your child to feel safe as they can predict what is happening in their environment. For example, you may stick to eating and sleep schedule to be as consistent as possible.
