Where Adventures Begin

Embracing the Future - Taking the Next Step

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

As we approach the end of the year, we notice changes in our children (and us!) as we start transition and prepare to take the next step boldly into the future. We all have different responses to transition, some with levels of anxiety, some float along and ‘go with the flow’. 

All of us go through periods of life where we are dealing with change. In fact, to learn to be resilient we need opportunities to discover strategies when facing the unknown. While some invite change, it can be a very difficult thing for others.

Change can be exciting, such as making a new friend, trying a new sport or starting a new year at school. However, change can also be hard when we don’t want it, when we don’t know what that change will look like. So, how are we supposed to deal with the changes we face in life? How can we help our children to face change bravely? How can we help our children be calm and happy when they are feeling anxious about the future? Lots of ideas spring to mind, such as preparing children with social stories, talking about what the change might look like, what they can do when things go wrong or when they feel overwhelmed, having visual cues to help establish the change to come. You will have noticed as we have begun the transition program this Term, many of these strategies have been used by teachers in the Kinder and the school. Our transition program ‘Footsteps into Prep’ has gone well, with the children visiting the Prep rooms over the last few weeks. The children got to know the teachers, played in the beautiful learning spaces, and met other members of the classes. This familiarization process is important for children as they prepare for the next step.

It is helpful to remember together that Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens". When we look at change this way, we can be better prepared to manage it. As Christians, we know that God can work through any situation.

Oftentimes, we focus on the loss that is involved. It’s safe to stay in the class we are currently in, to stay with the teacher we know. However, we know that God works everything together for the good of those who believe in Him. It can be helpful to speak to our children about the purpose behind the inevitable changes we face as we grow, that we can trust that God has a greater plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope".

In the end, while change can be hard, we can grow in our faith when we learn to embrace it. When we trust God’s plan, He transforms us each and every day as His followers. So, as I, you, your children and our gorgeous Kinder experience change in the upcoming year, let us remember this truth. 

Wendy Mason

Kindergarten Director