Help your child adjust to change.txt

File contents

Discuss Child's Transition 
Tool 2 


lIs.. 
M OEM__. 

Purpose 

Families learn what their child's actions can tell them about her feelings and thoughts. 
Using developmental information, they plan ways to help the child feel secure in the new 
program. 

Staff work with parents to identify strategies that have helped a child with previous 
transitions and those that might help with the current transition. 

Suggested Materials 

Tool 2-Parent Action: Help Your Child Adjust 

Videotape of child in classroom 

Stories, examples, or records of the child's classroom behavior 

Suggested Time 

During home visits, parent-teacher conferences, at the beginning or end of the day, 

or other one-on-one meetings with parents 

Tips for Leaders 

* 
All parents want to know that their child is normal. Make sure you explain that 
children of the same age behave in many different ways. 
* 
Keep in mind that some parents may have difficulty reading the developmental 
chart by themselves. Take time to go over it with them. 
* 
You can use a videotape of the child or written records to share what you have 
observed in the classroom. 
Guiding a Discussion 

* 
Ask parents to talk about how they feel about their child's transition and how 
they think their child feels about it. You can use the information on side 1 of 
the Parent Action pages to share basic things parents can do to help their child. 
* 
Refer to the first Action Step and ask parents what has helped their child deal 
with change in the past. Suggest that they list these to start a record of strategies 
that can be shared with new teachers. 
* 
Show parents how they can use the charts to find out what their child's behavior 
means. Talk about the suggestions for parents listed in the last column of 
the chart. Find out the things parents feel will help their child most and how 
they plan to use the ideas. 
Transitions: Parents Are Key 

Transitions:ParentsAre Key 


Tool 2 Help Your Child Adjust 


A *g I g~~~~~~~~~~g 
Purpose: Learn what your child's actions can tell you about his or her feelings. 
Plan ways to help your child feel secure in the new program. 
Parents can do some basic things to help their children feel more comfortable with transitions. 
For example: 
> 
> 
) 
) 
Talk with your child about what will be happening 
Visit the new program or school ahead of time 
When possible, avoid making lots of changes at once 
Create daily routines so your child knows when you will leave and return 
Even when you use these strategies, your child may have a hard time understanding and dealing 
with change. When you learn more about your child's development it is easier to choose other 
ways to help him adjust. 
0_M 
A *g *g * . ,tM . 0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-6 I 
Think about what has helped your child deal with change in the past: 
1) 
2) 
3) 
Use the chart for your child's age group to find out what else you can try:* 
1) 
2) 
3) 
* Remember your child is unique and all children grow at their own pace. The behavior listed 
on the chart for each age group just gives some examples of ways your child may act. 
Each ChildSupport 
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Each Child 
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Help Your Child Adjust (side 2) Tool 2 


Infants 

approx. O-2 years 

Does your child 
do this? 

Cries when you leave 

Clings to security 
objects (e.g. a blanket or 
favorite toy) 

Demands extra attention 

Toddlers 

arox.18mos-3years

-
Does your child 
do this? 
Has temper tantrums 

Clings to you 

Does not sleep well 

E N Maybe your 
S child feels: 
Anxious about being away 
from you 
Doesn't understand or 
know that you will return 
Misses familiar habits and 
routines 
Unsure about the new 
caregiver 

_ _ 
O 
Maybe your 
child feels: 
Afraid or out of control 
Upset that you left for 
the day 
Safe with you 
Doesn't want you to 
leave 
Worried about changes 
she does not understand 

You could try this: 

Always let your child know when 
you are leaving. At first, leave him 
for short periods of time, and then 
gradually add time. 

Bring security objects from home and 
share all you can about the child's 
routines, likes, and dislikes. 

Help your child and teacher develop 
a relationship before the first day. 
Visit the program several times and 
complete home visits. 

rm 

You could try this: 

Talk with the teacher daily so that 
you know what happens at school 
and if anything is troubling your 
child. 


Create rituals for saying good-bye. 
Give a big hug and kiss. 
Wave at the window. 


Stay calm and reassuring. 
Make sure you talk about your 
concerns with the teacher in private. 


Transitions: Parents Are Key 

Transitions:ParentsAre Key 


Tool 2 Help Your Child Adjust (side 3) 


Preschool Age 
Does your child 
do this? 
_ NMaybe your 
child feels: 
You could try this: 
Cries about school or 
complains of illness 
Unsure about whether the 
new environment is safe 
and secure 
Spend time with your child in the new 
setting. Always say good-bye and tell 
the child you will see her at the end of 
the day. 
Acts like he did when he 
was younger 
Uncomfortable with 
new routines, activities, 
teachers, and friends 
Give the child some control over the 
situation. Share his interests and 
abilities with the teacher and suggest 
some things that he might enjoy doing 
in the new program. 
Uncooperative at home 
and/or at school or has 
angry outbursts 
Overwhelmed by new 
expectations 
Encourage her to talk about her 
feelings with you. Tell her about times 
when you had similar feelings and 
how you dealt with them. 
Primary Age 
a rox. 58 
zears 
F M _ 
Does your child 
do this? 
E 
E 
N 
_ 
Maybe your 
child feels: 
You could try this: 
Complains about the new 
teacher 
Happy with the way things 
were and misses old 
friends and teachers 
Have your child draw a special picture 
or spend extra time with old friends 
before leaving. Keep in touch after 
the transition. Invite new and old 
classmates to play. 
Asks for help often Unsure if he will be able 
to do what is expected. 
He is under pressure to do 
a lot of new things, such 
as sitting in a desk and 
following a set schedule. 
Find out what is expected and help 
him practice his skills at home. 
Remind him of what he knows 
already and what he does well. 
Support 
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Each 
EachEach 
Child 
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