How do I emotionally support my child through big transitions, like moving homes or starting school?

Even when they are beneficial, transitions can cause children to experience severe emotional distress. Fear, melancholy, or agitation might be triggered by the loss of the familiar, such as a familiar bedroom, a pleasant teacher, or a preferred daily routine. Being present and prepared is the first step in providing emotional support. Explain gently what is going to change and what will not. Take a stroll around the new school, go to the new area, or read literature that deals with comparable changes together. In new situations, this gives kids a sense of predictability. Allow for their entire spectrum of emotions. Use phrases like ‘It is okay to feel nervous’ or ‘I see this is hard for you right now’ to validate their emotions, regardless of whether they are crying out of fear or talking joyfully. Do not minimise their distress or rush to find a solution. Rather, provide peaceful company. In the face of uncertainty, even brief affirmations like ‘I am here with you’ might help them centre their feelings. Keep up simple routines, such as sharing a snack, hugging before school, or telling a story before bed, as these offer a steady emotional rhythm when everything else feels unfamiliar.