How to help a child accept change

Change can be difficult for children, especially when there are serious family problems such as a divorce, the birth of a new sibling, etc. Children’s lives are always in constant evolution and the Managing all these changes is not always easy, it can be problematic and lead to emotional problems. A child going through changes may regress and, for example, start wetting the bed again.

When there are changes in children’s lives, they can experience stress as it is a normal reaction to transition. Parents need to know how to act in these situations to reduce stress in the child’s life. But how do you do that?

Be aware of emotional problems

You need to be aware of emotional changes that may contribute to your child’s emotional or physical problems. A divorce, a change of school, the death of a family, the birth of a sibling, the separation of parents… are common causes of distress in young children.

Shapes an attitude positive

It is essential that you remember that your attitude towards changes is crucial for your children to imitate that behavior. The shaping of a positive attitude is necessary for your children’s learning. Children learn to be optimistic or pessimistic depending on what they see in the adults they refer to, and above all, in their parents.

Beware of excessive changes

You need to keep other changes in your child’s life to a minimum. For example, if someone has recently died in the family, try to maintain the same routines at home so that they do not feel too many changes, do not even think about signing them up for extracurricular activities to distract them if they have not yet gone through the grieving process… You may want to talk to other family members or teachers so they can provide a little extra emotional support so your child can better process the change.

How to help a child accept change

Involve your child in the conversation

It is important that you involve your child in the conversation and talk with him to find out how he feels about the changes that are taking place. While children do not need to know the details of family problems, you can talk to your child in an appropriate way to help relieve stress. For example, if you are facing a divorce and explain to your child that he has to spend some days with his father and other days with you, you can create a sense of security.

Remember that it is not appropriate to control your child’s emotions, if he feels afraid and wants to cry, allow him to make. The expression of his emotions is very important so that he can better process the change.

Teaching children to be proactive in the face of change

It is important that you teach your children to Be proactive in the face of change. This means that you help him look forward and be able to accept change in the face of difficulties. For example, if you have to change your child’s school, one idea is to go a few days before so that he can meet the center and the teachers who will be there. If the change has been because he has arrived a new little brother to his life, you can teach him what he should do as a new brother / sister that he will be -such as throwing dirty diapers in the trash, watching the brother when you ask him to, teach him to do new things with your help, etc-.

Change is inevitable on many occasions and for this reason, children must be taught to be able to face it from an early age.