How To Prep Kids for the Emotional Challenges of Change
Your child has settled into their daily routine for years. Then suddenly, they have to pack up their life and start over somewhere else. For a child, especially a sensitive one, this can feel overwhelming. Leaving familiar places and faces behind might stir up a storm of negative emotions.
From going back to school somewhere new to having to move into a new home, the anxiety they feel can be quite intense. Their energy, once focused on relaxing in their comfort zone, now has to shift to something new and unknown.
This transition isn't just challenging - it can be exhausting. The discomfort of change can overshadow the excitement they once had about school. What they used to love might now feel daunting once again. Moving from one phase to another requires a big mental shift, and for kids, that shift can be really hard.
As parents, we want to make this process as smooth as possible for our kids. We want to be there for them, offering the support and reassurance they need during these tough times.
Here are supportive ways to guide your child through the emotional changes during a major transition so that they can successfully overcome them and even build resilience over time.
Preparing for the Change
Preparing your child for a big change is one of the most important things you can do to help them cope during this time. This stage is about setting the foundation and making sure your child feels supported.
When kids know what to expect, they tend to feel less anxious and more in control. Taking this stage with care will ease their worries and give them more confidence.
Open Communication
Start talking about the upcoming changes as early as possible. The sooner your child knows what's happening, the more time they'll have to process it. Be honest and clear in your discussions.
Active listening is crucial here. Encourage them to express their feelings, even if they're scared or upset. Let them know it's okay to feel that way. This builds better communication while still maintaining a respectful dialogue.
But sometimes, they might not be able to fully explain their emotions, so watch for non-verbal cues, too. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and that you support them through this difficult time.
Creating a Sense of Control
Generally speaking, helping young people feel more in control is key to tackling the growing stress-related mental health issues we're seeing in today's kids. Stress also applies to the big life changes they go through.
When your kids feel like they have a say, they're more likely to embrace the change instead of resisting it. Involve them in the process wherever you can.
If you're moving, let them pack their own things. When relocating to a new home, you can let your child choose the color of their new room or pick out a few decorations. Having something to look forward to, even the small things, lets them focus on the new place instead of what they're leaving behind.
During the Transition
This phase is about balancing stability with the newness of their environment. With the right support, you can help your child feel secure as they figure out what's going on.
Building and Maintaining Routines
One of the best ways to support your child during a change is by keeping some routines consistent. Familiar patterns offer some stability, which is comforting when everything else feels uncertain.
For example, if your child is starting a new school, try to keep their morning routine the same. Whether it's having breakfast together or walking to the bus stop, these small, familiar actions can ease them into the new environment.
It's also important to introduce new routines gradually. If your child is moving to a new home, you might keep bedtime routines like reading a story or tucking them in, while slowly adding new elements like unpacking their room together and decorating it more. This mix of old and new lets them adjust without feeling overwhelmed.
Good Play to Handle Big Emotions
Play is a powerful way for children to build emotional intelligence, especially during times of change. This teaches us that the most effective way to help students learn is by involving them in activities using conversation and guidance instead of drills and memorizing.
Through play, kids can express feelings they might not have the words for, making it easier to cope with big emotions. Toys designed with emotional learning in mind can be especially beneficial.
For example, the Roll With It: Coping Skills Kit is a great tool developed by psychologists that teaches kids how to stay calm and handle big feelings. It helps them understand their emotions and builds a coping toolbox to better handle challenges. Play lets your child explore their feelings and learn how to manage them in a safe environment.
Setting Realistic Expectations
No one likes to go into things blind. Prepare your kids for what's coming without overwhelming them. Be honest about the changes, but also reassure them that it's okay to take things one step at a time.
So, if your child is nervous about making new friends at a new school, remind them that it might take time to adjust and that feeling nervous is normal.
Encourage positive coping mechanisms, like taking deep breaths or talking openly about their feelings, to help them manage their emotions. This lets them build resilience. When children understand that it's alright to struggle and that they have the tools to cope, they can deal with challenges more bravely.
Remind your kids that it's not about being perfect - it's about doing their best and learning along the way.
Final Thoughts
Helping kids get through the emotional challenges of transitions equips them with skills that will serve them for life. You're not only easing their current worries but also building their resilience to future disruption. Changes are part of life, but with your support, your child can learn to face them head-on.
No matter what's going on, it's always a good idea to nurture emotional health. ThinkPsych is here to make social emotional learning easy. Our mission is to create emotionally intelligent games that educate, inspire, and empower kids to live their best lives. We're proud that we can equip parents and caregivers with the tools they need to support their children in navigating life's ups and downs.
Emotional intelligence guides kids to come out stronger on the other side. Each transition is a chance for growth, and together, you can make that growth a positive experience.
Sources:
● The Trouble With Transitions
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/zero-to-six/202404/the-trouble-with-transitions
● Children Need a Sense of Control
https://www.parentsleague.org/blog/children-need-sense-control
● The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20182058/38649/The-Power-of-Play-A-Pediatric-Role-in-Enhancing
