Helping Your Child Feel Secure During Transitions
Change can be such an exciting part of life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. For little ones, it can be very overwhelming. Whether it’s a new school, a new class, or even just a new routine, transitions can bring up some big feelings. Something that has always helped my previous students and even my own little ones is over-explaining.
As we opened our doors for the very first time just a few weeks ago, I spent a lot of time with my own children explaining every step of the way, from what time the school will open, what we will eat that day, what songs we will hear that day, and all the way through to what time the school closed. As I would with my own children, I am always here to overexplain or talk my students through new experiences as well. My goal is to help children feel safe, connected, and ready to thrive.
The Power of Safety and Connection
Conscious Discipline teaches us that children learn best when they feel both safe and connected. When children know who will be in their classroom, what activities they will be doing, and that an adult they trust will be there to help them if needed they can relax and focus on exploring, playing and learning.
Supporting this at home is simple; it just takes some over-explaining. Something I always did with my own children was talk them through what their morning would look like before we got started. “This morning, we will get to school and say good morning to your teachers before washing hands. Next, we will eat breakfast, the menu says its pancake day!” Knowing where to start and what to do next can take some of the stress out of transitions.
Predictability Builds Confidence
Routine Routine Routine!
We set very clear routines in class to give the children a sense of safety. No matter how we are feeling or what the weather is like today we will always have our morning meeting at 9am. No matter what day it is or who came to class today we will always have story time before nap. Creating routines like this at home can give children an anchor. Setting a morning routine, wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed, pick out a comfort item for school, offers predictability.
Naming and Validating Feelings
Transitions can bring out many emotions: excitement, worry, sadness, or even anger. Conscious Discipline emphasizes that feelings are not “good” or “bad”; they are simply information.
At home, you can help your child by naming their feelings: “It looks like you’re feeling nervous about starting school. That’s okay. I’ll be there to walk with you.” Naming emotions helps children feel seen and gives them words to express themselves.
In the classroom, teachers use “Safe Place” spaces and breathing strategies, like S.T.A.R. (Smile, Take a deep breath, and Relax) to help children calm their bodies and regulate their feelings.
Creating Rituals of Connection
When everything feels new, sometimes a simple connection ritual can be a powerful source of comfort. A goodbye hug, a secret handshake, or a special phrase you and your child share with each other at drop off can be reassuring to your child.
Teachers use similar rituals, like morning greetings or welcome songs, to help each child feel valued every day. The smallest gestures can go a long way towards building a trusting environment.
Encouragement for the Journey
Change can be challenging, but its also a great opportunity for growth. With the right tools, connections, and supportive adults, children learn they can handle new experiences.
So, if you’re preparing for an exciting new chapter, whether it is here at Celebree School of Plano or at home, know that I will always be happy to help in any way I can. Together, we can make transitions a positive step forward and not a scary jump.
Written by Ashton Melton, Director
