As an adult, you know that change is inevitable – but as a parent or caregiver, it can be daunting to help your kids learn the same life lesson. Kids will experience all kinds of changes as they grow up that can bring up some tough questions and worries:
What if I don’t make friends at my new school?
I like my room now. I don’t want a new one.
What if my parents forget about me after the new baby comes?
Kids can feel a loss of control as worries about the future can creep in. As a parent, your first instinct is to anticipate how to meet their needs during a turbulent time. Here are 7 ways to help your kids navigate big changes and transitions:
1. Get ready
If there’s time to prepare, brief your kids on what will happen, when it will happen, and other appropriate details. This will allow plenty of time for your kids to adjust to the news and will allow time and space for them to ask questions. Assure them that they are not alone, and you will walk through it as a family.
2. Pick pivotal people
It may be helpful to let your kid’s Group leader, teacher, or healthcare provider know what’s going on. It’s important to surround your family with a community that can offer support and advice during this time. You don’t have to do it alone!
3. Talk and listen
Things that are unfamiliar can bring up a variety of emotions. Invite your kid to talk and share what they are thinking and feeling about the big change. Validate their emotions, good or bad. Give them space to ask questions. You may not have all the answers, but listening to your kid’s thoughts and worries will help.
4. Maintain a routine
Change can be difficult for anyone; we as parents know all about the first-day-of-work jitters or the unfamiliarity of sleeping somewhere new. Help kids maintain a sense of normalcy by keeping what you can the same, such as extracurricular activities, church, meals, and bedtime routines. Kids will feel more at ease when they know what to expect.
5. Provide some choices
In the midst of change, there are a lot of factors that are out of kids’ control. Let them pick their first day of school outfit, their new room color, or what to eat for dinner. This will show them that their thoughts and opinions matter to you.
6. Make time for fun!
Incorporate fun to make the best of a tough situation, lighten the mood, and grow closer as a family. You could Google all the best pizza and ice cream spots in town, try them out, and rank them. You may also want to try to find a new TV show to watch as a family or scout out a new playground or museum.
7. Remind them that God is with them.
It’s important to remind your child that God loves and cares for them. You can remind them of that truth by including a note in their lunchbox, posting it somewhere they’ll see it often in the house, or sending a midday text with one of these verses:
- “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
- “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and love righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33
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Change is difficult for kids, teens, and adults alike. While we can’t guarantee an easy transition, we can guarantee that you can get through this. You have already overcome so much with your family, so take this time to remember how strong you are. Most importantly, remember that God is with you. Lean on him.
Check out more resources to equip you in the journey of parenting:
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