“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful” – Joshua J Marine
We all experience fear when embarking upon unfamiliar journeys. How we manage and interpret change will determine the impact. Our children are no exception to fearing the unknown, in fact as you know transition is a challenging period. As you prepare for this time and the impact of the current pandemic, I would like to share a few tips for further support.
Firstly, remind your child of a previous change/transition they successfully navigated through. While discussing that moment, recall all the steps they took and accomplishments made, this will allow them to appreciate the benefits of change and need for new challenge. While discussing this new challenge, focus on the positive outcomes and benefits of embarking on the journey using direct examples.
For those of you with young children, reading a story book “Wemberly Worried” and using it as illustration can be quite useful. For older children you may use the experiences of the child’s role model to explain change.
Always, remember that routines are important to children because they crave safety and security, knowing what’s ahead will make them feel in control. You are attachment figures and therefore your continuous warmth, love and support will help them to regulate, build resilience and self-efficacy.
Keep up the great work!