This school year has presented new things that have been wonderful but difficult at the same time. I have found myself feeling like the worst mother on the planet but also rewarding myself for being calm and patient through this season of life.
Unexpectedly, when I lost my job in August, Daniella had to move schools. This was not something we planned on, nor wanted. There were a few things we could get excited about such as, the dress code being different and not having to take gym or a foreign language by demand. But there was still an underlined distraction that it was a new school, with new people, and outside the comfort of her normal where she doesn’t do change well. Many cry sessions later and days of being dropped off where she wasn’t openly saying she hated this (I’m sure she still thinks it), we have a routine that is at least getting us through this year not chewing each other’s heads off.
If you are preparing for a move or transition into another school with your little, I have a few tips to keep in mind during that process.
Allow the child to experience and feel the stress.
Trying to fight against what is inevitably happening and coloring it with something different could be potentially damaging and make things worse. By allowing them to feel the stress and validate that it is happening, allows them to understand that stress exists, sometimes beyond your control in life.
Keep the conversation going.
Doing frequent check in’s and expanding the conversation about feelings and what each day they are experiencing can open a lifelong dialogue. The most important part is to not interject and try and fix their feelings. They are allowed to feel a certain way and unless they ask you in that moment what to do, just allow them to speak about their experience.
Talk to teachers about your concerns.
Sending an initial email or contacting them via the school is important to help the teacher understand where your child has come from and to identify any triggers that could happen throughout the year.
Prioritize sleep.
It is imperative to recognize that being around new people and learning new things can be exhausting. Think about what it is like for you in new social situations, learning something new, and getting a new job. It can be exhausting so having a full night’s sleep is crucial for our kids to decompress.
Cut them some slack.
Transition is tough, friends! Some kids transition better and faster than others but if you have a child like mine, that isn’t so much the case. Understand and be patient that it is as hard that they say it is but with all the other steps, work toward balance.
With each passing week, things do get better. If you are living in the trenches of transition with your little(s) and you are wondering when it gets better because you don’t see the light. Trust me, it does. I am (still) in the trenches and I can assure you that every day I am a calm and patient mom is also the days that seem to be better.
all things kal 
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