Journey to a Successful Education
A parent's guide to transition
(Information from "Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community-Transitions")
What is Transition?
Transition is change. Changing from one job to another, changing from one town to another, or changing from one school to another is a transition. When people go through changes, they experience many new thoughts and feelings. They may even begin to behave differently. Young children may have new thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and not even understand why. This can cause fear, concern, and confusion for children. It is important for parents to know how to help their children go through the scary process of change. Even though all people are different, the stages they go through during a change are the same. If you understand the stages of change, then the transition may be easier for you and your children. The stages of change are letting go, being uncertain, and taking hold.
Letting Go!
When children go through a change, parents should realize that they are losing something. They may lose something material or they may lose a relationship. Losing anything may cause children to feel sad. When going through the “letting go” stage, children must remember what they have gained. Talk to your child about what they have learned and who they have met this year. Celebrate the end of school. Make a scrapbook of your child’s work, photographs, and mementos from this year. These are ways to help a child begin to let go.
Being Uncertain!
Parents need to encourage and support children when they are uncertain and afraid. Take your children to their new school then encourage your child to draw a picture or tell a story about the trip. Talk to your child about how their new setting may be the same in some ways and yet different from their old setting. Read stories about transitions to your child. Be calm and understanding, and acknowledge that your child may be afraid.
Taking Hold!
As children begin to understand new expectations and demands, they learn to “take hold” of their new setting. They begin to develop new relationships and feel more confident. Parents can help children “take hold” in their new setting by making sure they know what is expected of them. Help them learn new rules and routines. Find a friend from your child’s old setting who is also in the new setting and let them get together. Continue to support and encourage your child.
