For children, transitions can feel overwhelming and lead to difficulty regulating “big” emotions. The transition into kindergarten is one that every child will experience, and it feels as though it should be a natural transition. However, your child may be having difficulty adjusting to a transition if you notice they are more easily agitated, crying more frequently, or having more difficulty separating from mom/dad. Here are 5 tips to try to help your child with transitions.

1. Start to schedule play dates. If your child has been attending daycare or preschool, they may have close friends. It is beneficial to plan a playdate outside of school so they can see there are opportunities to see one another even when they attend different schools.
2. Identify school schedule. Some children find relief in knowing what the schedule will be like at their new school. Try to talk with the school to see what a typical day may look like and then create a visual representation of the schedule. This can help them know the routine for the school day and reduce stress.
3. Talk about nervous feelings. As parents, it is easy to jump to statements such as “It will be okay” or “Once you start you will see how fun your new school is.” These statements feel more comfortable because we want to take any difficult emotions away for our children, but it is better to reflect on the feelings they are experiencing. Identify that they are feeling nervous and share that you want to help them problem solve ways to work through their nervousness while they adjust to the change. It is also beneficial to share if there has been a time you have felt nervous as well.
4. Create something special. It does not have to be fancy. It can be something that will remind them of you when they begin to feel nervous at school. Some examples could be a friendship bracelet, a keychain for their backpack or a bookmark.
5. Create a coping skills toolkit. Identify different breathing techniques, favorite fidgets, or grounding techniques that help your child feel calm. It is helpful to identify and practice coping while they are calm, before they are in distress. If you have additional questions pertaining to transitions or want additional help through the transition, reach out to Summit Clinical Services for a consultation.

Amber Beebe, L.C.S.W., is a child and adolescent therapist that works to empower individuals at a young age through emotion recognition and communication.