Taking the Leap: Preparing Kids for Transitions During the Summer
girl jumping off the boardwalk into the lake
Transitions like changing schools or grades, adjusting to new routines, or relocating to a new city can feel overwhelming for some kids. But with thoughtful support, we can help ease the stresses they cause. Here are a few strategies to help both students and caregivers navigate these changes:
Acknowledge the Change
Give your child space to express their thoughts and feelings. Whether through conversation, journaling, or drawing, naming the emotion is often the first step to managing it.
Read or Listen to Books That Reflect Their Experience
Books can be powerful tools. They help kids feel seen and understood. In my middle-grade novel The Independents, Avery and her friends are all dealing with personal changes - from developing friendships and new schools to complex emotions about family. Stories like these allow young readers to see how others cope and remind them they're not alone.
Visit the New Environment
If a move or school change is involved, try visiting the new location - either in person or virtually before the official start date. Familiarity breeds comfort, and having some mental pictures of where they'll be can go a long way in quieting some anxiety.
Find the Familiar in the New
Draw connections between the old and the new. Maybe the new classroom has the same kind of desks and tables, or the new city has a favorite chain restaurant. The local library may even have similar borrowing rules. You could also create a photo journal or scrapbook to celebrate favorite memories while looking ahead with hope.
Help Them Connect
Encourage your child to join a summer activity or local group that matches their interests. Whether art, sports, or gaming, shared interests are a great way to build new friendships and strengthen confidence.
The Bigger Picture
Transitions may feel scary at first, but with warmth and preparation, kids learn that change doesn't have to be bad; it can be an opportunity. These gentle steps support them in building resilience during significant life shifts.
If your child is going through a change this summer, consider adding The Independents to your reading list. It's a story about finding your place, making new friends, and learning that change, while sometimes hard, can be full of possibilities.
Here's to new seasons, strong connections, and thoughtful beginnings.
Your Turn: What Has Helped Your Family?
Have you tried any of these strategies - routines, story-sharing, or visit days? Or maybe you've discovered another activity that eased the transition. I'd love to hear what has worked for you! Please send me an email and share your experiences.
