Is your child facing a change? Do they have a new coach? A new teacher? Are they going to a new school? Have you moved to a new city? Will they be making new friends and playing on a new team?

Children react differently to change. One child may easily go with the flow; another may feel anxiety or stress. It all depends on their temperament, personality, and the circumstances. 

Whatever the newness is that your child is facing, there are several ways you can help them accept and adjust to the changes.

Look for things to keep the same

During a change, like moving to a new school and trying out for a new football team, try to keep some things the same. For example, what’s the routine before heading to practice or a game? Keep the schedule the same. Keeping the same schedule will allow for a better transition for your child. 

Accept your child’s disappointment

Your child may go through a grieving process as they leave something familiar behind and dive into something new. Don’t diminish their emotions, listen to how they feel, and gently remind them of the positives.

Give your child a little extra

Because change can stir up feelings of uncertainty and insecurity, a little extra attention from mom and dad will help your child deal with the stress. Be intentional about spending extra time with your child in the first few weeks of newness.

Look for ways to help your child connect

Is your child playing on a new team? Invite one or two teammates over after practice to hang out or have a team cookout at your home.

Pinpoint your child’s fears

Your child’s newness may come with a whole slew of fears and insecurities. Will I be bullied? Ignored? Labeled as a show-off or weak? Stereotyped because of my size or appearance? What if I fail?

When your child is facing a new situation, it’s time for your radar as a parent to kick in. Listen well, observe actions, habits, reactions, and unusual behaviors, and ask discovery questions to help them process what they are feeling.

Parents, you know how hard it can be to be new in a job, town or neighborhood. Your child may feel those same anxieties. We always say that children are so adaptable, and that may be true for many kids, but we cannot assume that every child never has anxiety about how to handle change. Even if your child appears to be adapting easily, take some time to be sure there’s nothing hidden beneath the surface. Your parental radar will tell you if your child is struggling with change.

 

Janis B. Meredith is a life coach for sports parents. She provides resources to help parents give their children a positive and growing youth sports experience. Learn more about good sports parenting habits in her book 11 Habits for Happy & Positive Sports Parents, available on Amazon.