Student Wellbeing
School Transition and Managing Change
It has been said that the one constant in life is change.
Navigating change and transitions can bring worry, doubt, and anxiety. For children, a new school year brings the unknown of a new homegroup and teacher.
We all need tools to navigate and embrace change successfully, and we can empower our children to do the same.
Accepting emotions helps us deal with change
It is important to acknowledge, accept, and feel ALL of our feelings, the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. This is how we grow in confidence and experience positive mental health.
Tools to help navigate change.
Begin with how you are feeling and inquire with curiosity and kindness.
Invite communication with your child by:
Ask how they are feeling about school, and create the opportunity for them to share their fears and excitement openly and honestly about the change.
Acknowledging what they share. ”I hear you; this is new for you and can feel scary.”
All children have ups and downs, so how do you know if your child is struggling with something serious?
Some of the common signs include:
- Excessive worrying and sadness
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue, headaches, or stomach aches
- Significant changes in eating, sleeping, and personal interests
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they used to enjoy
A powerful tool is breathwork. A long, slow breath can shift our nervous system and help us relax. When we calm down, ‘we learn to stay’ in the situation long enough to find our center again. This is how we grow our capacity to navigate change.
Lisa
Deputy Principal & Wellbeing Leader
lisa.heath@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au
Jess
Deputy Principal & Learning Diversity Leader