Why Transitions Matter to Young Children
View Changes Through Children ’ s Eyes
22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024
Navigating Changes as a Family
Every family experiences changes . Some are planned , others are unexpected . Some are joyful , others are marked by pain or uncertainty .
Whether it ’ s divorce , the death of a loved one , welcoming a new sibling or moving to a new home , these events impact every member of the family . For young children , even small changes can feel monumental , and how adults talk with them affects how they respond and cope .
Dr . Lauren Loquasto , senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School , shares this guidance to help families navigate change .
Why Transitions Matter to Young Children
To understand why transitions affect children so deeply , it ’ s important to remember children see the world differently than adults . Their routines , relationships and surroundings establish a sense of security and safety . Their families and role within them form their initial identities . Any disruption , big or small , can shake their foundation . Children can handle change , but adults must help them process it .
Children are naturally perceptive . When something changes , they notice . When they lack the language or understanding to ask questions , they express their feelings through behavior . It ’ s how young children express , “ I ’ m feeling something , but I don ’ t have the words for it .”
When children become clingier after a new sibling is born or struggle with meltdowns in a new classroom , they ’ re trying to process the changes in their lives . These behaviors signal , “ I ’ m not sure what to do with all these feelings .”
View Changes Through Children ’ s Eyes
Everyone experiences changes differently . Even within the same family , adults and children may perceive and respond to the same event in unique ways . An adult may
22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024