Navigating Your Family Through Times of Transition and Change

 

Change is a natural part of life, but it can be especially challenging for families. Some people can lean into it and embrace change, while others may be emotionally allergic to it, doing whatever they can to avoid it or even pretend it’s not happening.  Whether it’s a move, a new school, a job change, divorce, or a loss of a pet or family member, transitions can bring uncertainty and stress. As a parent, your response to change plays a key role in how your children cope. Here are some actionable ways to support your family during these times:

1. Acknowledge the Change

Open and honest communication helps children feel safe. Let them know what’s happening in an age-appropriate way and encourage them to ask questions. Acknowledge their feelings—even if they’re different from your own.  You don’t need to convince them to get on board with the change.  Give them a safe space to express whatever they’re feeling without reacting to it.

2. Maintain Routines

During transitions, familiar routines offer comfort and stability. Keeping consistent mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily rituals gives children a sense of normalcy when other things feel uncertain.  Even something as simple as everyone knowing what you’re having for dinner each night can alleviate not only your stress, but the anxiety of your kids.

3. Model Calm and Optimism

Children and teens take emotional cues from their parents. While it’s okay to show that you’re feeling stressed or sad, modeling resilience and a hopeful outlook helps kids develop their own coping skills.  Make sure the kids hear you say things like, “it will be challenging and different, but we will move through it.  I know we can manage the changes as a family.”  Communicate your belief in yours and your children’s ability to tolerate and handle the change.  When kids feel seen and trusted, they can better access the belief in themselves more successfully move through change.

4. Listen and Validate

Provide consistent opportunities for your children to talk about their feelings, even if those feelings are hard to hear. Let them know it’s okay to be sad, angry, or confused—and that you’re there to support them through it.  Help them identify tools or activities they can use to support themselves emotionally.  You can ask “what are some things you can think of doing that might help you right now?”  Please let them try to come up with the ideas – they will be more likely to use them if they have ownership of it. 

5. Involve Them in the Process

When appropriate, involve your children in decisions and planning. Giving them a voice helps them feel more in control and invested in the outcome.  Providing opportunity to make a choice is empowering.

6. Seek Support When Needed

If your family is struggling to adjust, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor.   Sometimes an outside perspective can offer guidance and reassurance.  Often, you may just need a session or two to get over the bumpy times, and then your kids see that seeking help and support is healthy and encouraged.

Every family will face transitions, but with patience, communication, and connection, you can navigate change together—and even grow stronger through it.