Through the lives of every family, there are all sorts of changes and transitions that take place. Most are fairly minor, but major events such as moving (especially to a distant place) can be particularly difficult for both adults and kids to adapt to. How parents approach these transitions can serve to protect their mental health, as well as that of their children. There are several ways parents can provide the support that’s needed.
Acknowledge emotions. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or excitement are normal and to be expected during major transitions. Acknowledge everyone’s feelings without scolding them. Moving can be hard on kids, especially when it’s to a place they don’t know or are forced to leave good friends and favorite activities behind. Allowing them to express their feelings openly will help in the healing process.
Communicate openly. Parents often try to keep details away from the kids out of a concern that it might create anxiety. Actually, the result is true. When parents aren’t sharing information with kids, it’s human nature for the kids to assume their folks are hiding something terrible from them. In contrast, when parents keep the kids in the loop and even involve them in decision-making, they feel more in control about the situation.
Manage expectations. Big transitions rarely happen exactly as planned. Going into them with realistic expectations can make the inevitable surprises less devastating. When parents are feeling stressed in situations like these, they need to remember that their kids are also stressed.
Build coping skills. Help kids learn how to manage transitions by tapping into their innate problem-solving skills. Show them how you deal with stress, and teach them basic coping strategies like mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques.
Self-care. Make sure everyone is taking care of themselves through the normal self-care that promotes good health. Eating healthy, exercising, and getting plenty of rest can make even the toughest days seem brighter. Encouraging everyone to help each other through the difficult moments can build healthier relationships.
Reach out. Sometimes, despite the best planning and the most heartfelt efforts, things don’t work out as expected. If the family is fighting or the level of change is preventing the kids from participating in normal activities, it may be time to turn to a professional counselor to help resolve issues and develop positive strategies. We have several professionals with experience helping families through transitions and other challenging situations. Why not set a time to share your concerns?
