From the Learning Specialists

Coping with change

As the end of the school year fast approaches, we begin considering what the new year will look like and contemplate the transitions we will be faced with, moving from the known to the unknown. 

In the new year, students will experience change; a different year level, a different classroom and maybe even experience their school life with a different teacher. It is normal to feel a little daunted about the unknown. Whilst it may seem like an unsettling process, change is an inevitable part of our lives. 

We need to learn how to cope with change, rather than avoid it. If we know that transitions can make us feel uneasy then normalising this feeling when it occurs will help us to get through the uncomfortable. 

The good thing is that when we experience change, we have opportunities to develop the skills of resilience. By navigating and growing from these experiences, we strengthen our “resilience muscles.” To avoid change is to deprive ourselves of the opportunity to grow.

How can we help our children cope with change?

1. Give time to prepare - allowing time to process the new helps to accept the change
    
2. Listen to concerns - talk through the emotions your child is feeling, help to normalise these concerns
    
3. Keep routines the same where you can - consistency and reliability in other parts of your child’s life can help to restore a sense of comfort and safety
    
4. Stay connected with your child during this time of change - talk about how it is going
    
5. Talk about other changes that your child has successfully completed in the past to help reassure that this current change will be ok too.

“…change is necessary in life-to keep us moving, to keep us growing, to keep us interested. Imagine life without change. It would be static, boring, dull.” Dr Dennis O’Grady