New Beginnings

Helping Your Kids Navigate Life's Transitions

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Some of the most emotional moments of parenting come when our children enter a new stage of life. Their first steps. Their first words. The first day of Kindergarten. The first day of High School. How can parents help their kids navigate these big transitions when they themselves are not emotionally prepared for the next chapter? How can they faithfully navigate these transitions when emotions and uncertainty begin to creep in?

When Parents Struggle with Change

Sometimes the person struggling the most with these transitions is the parent, and not the child. Mom and Dad find it hard to process those big emotions. Suddenly, they remember rocking that baby to sleep or walking them into Kindergarten for the very first time. Parents get in their feelings and realize that their kids are growing up way too fast. They are not ready to let go. Then comes the fear and uncertainty of the future, wondering what kind of world their kids might inherit.

It is in these moments that parents must lead well by finding their anchor and hope in Jesus. Do you have fears or anxieties about this new season of life? Take it to Jesus and let your kids see that you are giving it all to Him. But be careful. Do not cast your own fears and nerves upon your children, especially if they are handling the change well. Try not to put thoughts in their head that would give them reason to worry if they are emotionally prepared to handle life’s next chapter.

Helping Your Kids Process Change

But for those kids who are struggling, be ready to help. First, be honest and admit that change can be difficult for everyone, including yourself. Let them know that change can be challenging and that it is normal to experience a mix of emotions during new seasons of life. Then, be willing to listen to whatever they need to share or get off their chest. Allow your child to ask questions and express their honest emotions. You can use specific questions to help them process what they are feeling. Try asking:

• What are you most excited about?

• What are you most nervous about?

• What are you looking forward to the most?

Resist the temptation to immediately solve every fear. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is simply listening well. By giving our kids space to talk, we can ease much of the anxiety they are already carrying. Then, as they express their feelings, validate their emotions, and make sure you point them to Jesus.

Remind them: It is possible to be excited and nervous at the same time. Strive to find peace in the moment, embrace the nerves, and cling to Jesus as a family as you step into a new adventure together. More than anything, remind your children that they are not facing this new season alone. God is with them every step of the way.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 41:10

Celebrate the Transition

With a new school year upon us, many of you are navigating new grades, new schools, and new beginnings. If your child is starting Kindergarten or heading off to Middle School or High School for the first time, consider a few ideas to celebrate this special occasion.

On the first day of school, make a special breakfast to help kick the new year off right. Be sure to spend some time in prayer together before you all walk out the door, and pray a special blessing over your child and the new school year. Find your own family traditions that can become an important rhythm for you with each new school year. These simple traditions do more than celebrate a milestone. They remind our children that every new season is another opportunity to trust God's faithfulness together.

Schools will change. Friends will change. Seasons will change.

But God never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. - Hebrews 13:8

As your family looks ahead to a new school year, take comfort in knowing that the God who has faithfully carried you this far will continue to walk with you every step of the way.

Next Week: Back to School Rhythms

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