Blog: Children and Change

Have you ever been completely paralyzed by change? Have you sat in the back of a classroom, praying that no one can see you? Ever taken the long way to class, just to avoid a person?

Change and children can be a funny thing.

As a new school year has begun, I have been intrigued by watching my little one’s reaction to change. Children are such masters of adaptation, but sometimes even they get afraid of change. New kids coming and old friends leaving. As adults, this is a way of life, but for our children, this is life changing!

I have been reminded to sit and discuss “feelings” as my little one experiences change. It is more than okay for kids to be scared, nervous, or even sad during change. These are natural coping methods. As we discussed these feelings, I was also reminded to allow my child to release these emotions. It’s great to acknowledge and respect your feelings, but is equally important to release them. Once you have released these emotions and moved past them, you are free to embrace new emotions, like excitement, love and even curiosity.

Once I saw my child completely bounce back from the fears of change, I asked myself…what do I need to release? It was amazing what came to me once I was open to the truth. As I sat and listed out situations, emotions and even people that I would like to release, I found a sense of calm about me. Even some excitement about what I was creating room for in my life.

After having such a positive reaction, I introduced this concept to my child. Now, when there is an issue or person that is creating an unhappy experience, we sit and draw a picture. Each color represents a person, situation, and feeling. This is not just a great way to release but an even better way to bond and understand what is happening for your child as they grow up.

So stock up on those journals and construction paper and enjoy the ride!