Supporting Children Through Transitions

Transitions are a natural part of life, but for children, they can feel overwhelming and unsettling. Whether it's starting a new school year, moving to a new school, or adjusting to a change in routine, transitions can bring about a mix of emotions—from excitement to anxiety. This Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re focusing on how we can support kids during times of change, helping them to feel safe, supported, and confident.

Why Do Transitions Matter?

For children, transitions represent a shift in their environment, relationships, or daily routines. These changes might seem small to adults, but they can feel big to kids. The unknowns of new situations—like meeting new people, learning new rules, or adjusting to different expectations—can cause feelings of stress, confusion, and even sadness.

At school, transitions happen frequently: starting primary school, moving up to a new class, changing teachers, or even adjusting to a new classmate. While many children adapt quickly, others may need more time and support to navigate these changes successfully.

How Do Transitions Affect Children’s Mental Health?

When children go through transitions, their mental health can be affected in various ways. Here are some common responses children may have during transitions:

•Increased anxiety or worry: Children may feel anxious about the unknown or fear they won’t meet new expectations.

•Difficulty with emotional regulation: Changes in routine can cause children to feel overwhelmed or more easily frustrated.

•Social challenges: Meeting new people or forming new friendships can be stressful for children, especially if they’re shy or socially anxious.

•Behavioral changes: Stress from transitions might lead to changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, acting out, or having trouble concentrating.

While these responses are normal, it’s important to provide support and reassurance to help children build resilience and feel more secure during these times of change.

Tips for Supporting Children Through Transitions

Acknowledge Their Feelings

When a child is facing a transition, it’s important to validate their emotions. Let them know that it’s okay to feel nervous or uncertain. Sometimes, just knowing that their feelings are understood can help children feel more in control of the situation.

Provide Predictability and Routine

Children thrive on routine, so maintaining consistency in other areas of their life can provide a sense of stability. You can also help children prepare for transitions by creating a visual schedule or calendar that shows what’s coming up, such as the first day of school or special events.

Foster Open Communication

Encourage children to talk about their worries and questions. Sometimes, they might not know how to express what’s on their mind, so helping them find the words can be helpful. You can ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about starting school?” or “What are you most excited about?” Keeping the lines of communication open makes children feel heard and supported.

Promote a Growth Mindset

Transitions can be tough, but they’re also an opportunity for growth. Help children see that challenges are part of learning. You can use phrases like, “It might feel hard now, but every day you’ll get a little more comfortable.” Emphasising effort over perfection encourages a growth mindset, where children understand that they don’t have to get everything right immediately, what matters is trying and learning along the way.

Help Children Build Social Connections

In school, children are often faced with the challenge of making new friends or adjusting to different social dynamics. To support this transition, help your child practice social skills, like introducing themselves, asking questions, and showing kindness. If your child is anxious about meeting new people, you might set up a playdate or help them join extracurricular activities where they can make connections in a lower-pressure environment.

Teach Coping Strategies

Children benefit from learning how to cope with stress and anxiety, and transitions are the perfect time to introduce them to different coping mechanisms. You can also encourage children to use a "worry box" or journal to express their feelings. The more tools they have to manage their emotions, the better equipped they’ll be to handle transitions.

Work with School Staff

If your child is transitioning to a new school or classroom, it’s helpful to work closely with school staff to ensure a smooth process. Teachers can provide valuable insight into how to best support your child. Ask about any orientation programs or resources the school offers to help ease the transition. Schools may also have strategies to support emotional well-being, such as peer buddy programs or mindfulness activities.

Encouraging Positive Outcomes from Transitions

While transitions can feel difficult, they can also be an opportunity for growth and personal development. With the right support, children can learn to navigate change with resilience, confidence, and optimism.

Conclusion

Transitions are an inevitable part of childhood, and they can be challenging both for children and for the adults supporting them. However, with the right tools and strategies, children can learn to embrace change with confidence. By acknowledging their feelings, fostering open communication, providing routine, and teaching coping strategies, we can help children feel prepared to face new challenges, whether it’s starting a new school year or navigating a big life change. Together, we can build resilience in children, helping them thrive during transitions and beyond.