Change can be a child’s enemy. While anyone can feel a bit unbalanced when something new happens, it’s especially tough for kids to adjust. For young minds, change may feel like you’re trying to take away their security blankets and forcing them into uncomfortable situations.

Defiant and rigid children might dig their heels in, resisting any deviation from their familiar routine with stubborn determination. They’re likely the ones who would start a tantrum or become very vocal in expressing their frustration. An anxious child may become overwhelmed with worry and fear as they imagine all possible worst-case scenarios of what could go wrong — ending in tearful meltdowns.

In some cases, parents like you may feel equally distressed when it comes to introducing change to your child. You might feel guilty for disrupting their sense of comfort or worried that they won’t handle the adjustment well.

But remember, change is a natural part of life.

Change is inevitable

When you try to shield your child from the discomfort of change, you’re inadvertently depriving them of valuable opportunities to grow and develop. Change can teach them a lot of things:

• Resilience – Dealing with change helps kids bounce back from challenges instead of letting those obstacles bring them down.
• Flexibility – Things don’t always work out the way you want them — embracing change helps your child to be okay with this and become adaptable to any twists and turns. 
• Problem-solving – New situations often require figuring things out. Your child will learn how to think critically and creatively to manage the unknowns. 
• Emotional Intelligence – Coping with transitions helps kids understand and manage their emotions better, expressing them appropriately and developing empathy towards others.
• Independence – Accepting change helps your child gain confidence in handling new situations on their own. They’ll learn to be more self-reliant and resourceful even in the ups and downs. 

Make your child comfortable

Making your child comfortable with change is one of the best skills you can teach them. But where do you start when their initial reaction to change seems overwhelmingly negative? Here are two methods you can do:

Start with small steps

The key is to start small and gradually ease them into the idea of change. Every child can learn to be okay with change — they just need to get comfortable first.

Begin with gentle, small adjustments that won’t completely disrupt your child’s routine or provoke resistance. Introduce changes that you know they’ll be more receptive to or easier to negotiate for. Here are some simple ideas to help them ease into the concept of change:

• Take them to a different park for playtime.
• Discuss a hypothetical alternative ending to their favorite show.
• Introducing new food during lunchtime.
• Change a rule within a game.
• Try a new brand of cereals.
• Switch up their bed linens and pillowcases.

Remember, it’s the small steps that pave the way for bigger changes. Once they’re comfortable with the little adjustments, they’ll become more open to embracing larger changes and trying new experiences.

Introduce social stories

Social stories are short narratives that describe social situations clearly and concisely. They explain what to expect, how to think about the situation, and how to act appropriately.  The main point of these stories is to break down the unknown to prepare them beforehand. Here’s why social stories are effective tools to use when introducing change:

• Explains the situation – Social stories paint a picture of what will happen step-by-step, reducing fear of the unfamiliar. This is especially helpful for children who thrive on routine and predictability.
• Offers useful coping strategies – These stories can suggest helpful ways for your child to think about and manage their emotions during the change.
• Demonstrates appropriate behavior – Social stories can also subtly show what kind of behavior is expected in the new situation.

Change is an inevitable part of life. Equipping your child with the knowledge and strategies they need to navigate it with confidence sets them up for a better future. 

If you have any questions or need more strategies to help your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out!