Wellbeing

Embracing Change: Transitions, Resilience & Growing Together

Why transitions matter

Children face many transitions over their school years, such as a new teacher, a new class group, new friends, even a new school. These transitions can stir up all sorts of feelings: excitement, worry, uncertainty, sadness, or even fear. Although change can be hard, it is also one of the most powerful opportunities for growth.

Building resilience helps children navigate the ups and downs of change and build confidence.

What resilience gives children

When children develop resilience:

They learn to manage big feelings like nervousness or sadness, to recognise, name and regulate emotions rather than being overwhelmed.
They grow in problem‑solving skills, figuring out how to make friends, cope with new routines, or manage tricky social situations on their own.
They build confidence; every time they overcome a small challenge (first day, first lunch break, new class), they feel stronger and more capable.
They become more adaptable, so future transitions (new grades, new peers, new experiences) feel less scary.

In short: resilience helps children not only survive change — but thrive through it.

What parents can do: supportive, not rescue‑oriented

As parents or carers, it’s natural to want to protect children from discomfort or stress. But sometimes giving children space to face challenges, with support, builds long-term strength better than swooping in to “fix everything.”

Here are research‑backed strategies for helping children during transitions

Talk about the change positively, but honestly. Frame transitions as opportunities (“new friends, new fun, new things to learn”) rather than threats. A positive but realistic tone helps children approach change with optimism.
Acknowledge their feelings. If your child is nervous or sad about starting a new class or meeting a new teacher, don’t brush those feelings away. Let them say how they feel, and reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way.
Provide structure and predictability where you can. Routines; morning ritual, after‑school routines, regular mealtimes and breaks, help children feel safe even when other parts of life are changing.
Encourage independence, but stay available. Let children take small steps: packing their own bag, choosing what to wear, organising themselves. At the same time, let them know you are there if they want help or want to talk.
Help children build social skills and emotional awareness. Through conversation, role play, or even reading stories that deal with change, you can help children recognise their own feelings and practise ways to respond.
Model calm, confident coping yourself. Children learn a lot from how adults respond. If you model calmness, flexibility and a positive attitude toward change, children are more likely to absorb that.
Resist the urge to “fix it” immediately. Sometimes what a child needs most is time, space, and gentle guidance, not a swift rescue. Let them try, struggle, practise, and learn that not everything has to be perfect immediately. That’s how resilience is built.

Turning challenges into opportunities

Transitions can feel scary, but viewed through a resilience lens, they are stepping stones. New classmates can become friends with time. A new teacher can help your child discover new strengths. A new school routine can build maturity and independence.

The goal isn’t for children to sail through change unscathed, but to grow in confidence, self-awareness, and resilience. With parental support, but without over‑protecting, children are more likely to learn that they can handle challenges and bounce back.

How our school community can help

As educators and parents together, we can:

Encourage open conversations about feelings and transitions, both at home and school.
Celebrate small wins: first lunchtime, first recess, first smile, first new friend.
Offer gentle guidance, while giving children room to grow.

Together we help our children not only navigate transitions, but use them as opportunities to build strength, confidence, and resilience.