Change is part of everyone’s life, and no matter the age, some of us find it harder to manage than others. 

Some key tips for preparing our little ones with transitions and change are:

Parents being ready and organised, with a plan to manage the changes. 

Think about:

• Resources or physical items needed and source them early.
• The timing of the new routine, and how that impacts on the current family routines.
• Other support that may be needed from friends or extended family – get them on board early and ensure they are part of the plan.
• Key adults creating a plan that will enable the new routine to work for the family.
• The story or script a parent will use to introduce the routine to the family, and in particular the younger child.
• Practising the new routines several times before the first day.
• Using a simple visual schedule that outlines the new routine, supporting predictability for the younger child and the family.

Children being familiar with their new environment. 

This will involve:

• Opportunities for the child and parent to visit the new environment to get first-hand experience. Some children will need additional visits to adjust to the change, so be communicative with the staff at the new setting and discuss options.
• Driving or walking past more regularly, naturally pointing out “Oh there’s your School.” 

Children being part of the preparation. 

• Involve your child in purchasing any new clothes, hats, lunch boxes etc. 
• Allow some decision making where possible (this one or that one – pointing for our younger ones).
• Involve your child in creating the visual schedule for the new routine (photographs of the child/family carrying out the different routines is often effective).

Parents looking after themselves

Sometimes children are more resilient than parents imagine, and sometimes… it is the parent who may have the bigger emotions around the change. 

Some things to think about:

• Keep conversations the children can hear positive and low key, without creating too much momentum or making the change bigger than it needs to be.
• Have a plan for yourself on the first day to support you with the new routine. Maybe it is a phone call to a friend after drop off, or a coffee with another to chat through how you are feeling. 
• Be mindful that children pick up on a parent’s energy and thoughts very quickly, without you even knowing. 

With change comes opportunity for growth and development.

Be a part of this change and experience your child taking off!