*This is a collaborative post
Childhood is full of transitions. From changes in routine to moving into entirely new learning environments, each shift brings both opportunity and challenge. While these changes may seem small to adults, they can feel enormous to young children. New classrooms, unfamiliar teachers, different routines, and shifting friendships all require emotional adjustment.
With the right support, transitions can become opportunities for growth rather than sources of anxiety. Understanding how children experience change, and how adults can guide them through it, makes a powerful difference to their confidence and wellbeing.
Why Transitions Matter So Much in Early Childhood
Young children rely heavily on routine and familiarity. Predictable patterns help them feel safe and secure, so when those patterns shift, it can unsettle them. A significant milestone such as starting an early years nursery school introduces new adults, new spaces, and new expectations all at once.
Feelings of nervousness, uncertainty, or even excitement are entirely normal. Recognising and validating these emotions is the first step in helping children feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Preparing Children Before Change Happens
Preparation is one of the most effective ways to ease transitions. Children cope better when they have a clear sense of what to expect.
Parents and educators can:
- Talk positively about the upcoming change
- Describe what the new environment will look like
- Explain who will be there and what a typical day might involve
- Read storybooks about starting school or making new friends
- Visit the new setting in advance where possible
These practical steps create familiarity and reduce fear of the unknown, allowing children to approach change with greater confidence.
Building Emotional Literacy
Helping children name and understand their feelings equips them to manage change more effectively. Simple conversations such as “It’s okay to feel nervous about something new” validate emotions without increasing worry.
Encouraging children to express themselves through drawing, storytelling, or imaginative play can also reveal what they may be processing internally. When children feel heard and understood, resilience develops naturally.
Creating Continuity Between Home and School
Consistency between home and educational settings provides reassurance during periods of transition. Sharing information between parents and teachers allows routines, preferences, and comfort strategies to remain familiar even within a new environment.
Continuity may include:
- Keeping a similar morning routine
- Sending a favourite comfort item
- Using familiar language for daily activities
- Maintaining regular communication between home and school
These steady touchpoints remind children that while their surroundings may change, their support network remains constant.
