9 tips on how parents can accompany transitions well

1. really listen to your child

Really listening to children , recognising their needs and taking them seriously can make a big difference. Small changes are often enough to reduce the pressure.

2. reduce fears in advance

There are preventative measures that can be taken. If the child finds transitions difficult, you can, for example, talk to the teacher about whether more than one taster day at the new school is possible.

3. put yourself in your child's shoes

Putting yourself in the child's shoes helps to understand their perspective. How did you deal with transitions in the past?

Questions such as «Are you looking forward to school?» are usually meaningless for children and can make them feel insecure.

4. remember good transitions together

Reminisce with your child about good, beautiful and successful transitions and talk about them. Encourage your child and give them time.

5. be a role model

The role model function of parents is also important: How do we deal with transitions ourselves? How do we organise them?

6. strengthen the child's social bonds in advance

Before moving or changing schools, try to make contact with other families in the neighbourhood.

7 Avoid these questions

Bear in mind that questions such as «Are you looking forward to school / your sibling / the new flat?» are usually meaningless for children and can make them feel insecure. We know what's coming - the child doesn't.

8. rituals can be a good support

During a school transition, a visit to the new school building beforehand, a walk together with a classmate or a talisman or lucky stone in the pocket can convey a feeling of safety and security.

9. in these cases you should get help

If any change causes your child massive stress or if they refuse to go to school, make sure you get help.