Supporting Children Through School Transitions: A Gentle Approach

The return to school in September brings with it a flurry of change — new classrooms, new teachers, new routines. For children, especially, these changes can feel huge. Even if they don’t say much, many children experience wobbles, worries, and big feelings as they adjust to what’s new and unfamiliar.

Whether they’re starting Reception, moving into Year 3 or Year 7, or simply returning to the same school after the holidays, every child is going through some kind of transition.

And transitions, even positive ones, can be emotionally and physically tiring.

Why transitions can feel tricky for children

Children thrive on predictability and safety. When that’s shaken — even slightly — it can show up in different ways: clinginess, irritability, difficulty sleeping, meltdowns, tummy aches, or a sudden drop in confidence.

This doesn’t mean something is wrong — it means something is changing, and their nervous system is working hard to adjust.

When we understand this, we can respond with connection, compassion, and calm.

Ways to gently support children during transitions

Here are a few simple ideas to ease the back-to-school shift:

🌿 Talk about what’s coming

In age-appropriate ways, chat about what will be the same and what might be different. Use stories, drawings, or play to explore their feelings. Let them ask questions — even if you don’t have all the answers.

🌿 Create calming routines

The brain loves rhythm. Try building in little rituals to anchor them — morning cuddles, an after-school snack together, a calming bedtime routine. These small things provide big feelings of safety.

🌿 Validate their emotions

Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. Try: “It makes sense you're feeling that way — it's a lot of change right now.” This helps children feel seen and soothed.

🌿 Use tools like EFT tapping

A gentle round of tapping can calm anxiety and bring balance to busy little systems. Even simple phrases like “Even though I feel worried, I’m safe and loved” can work wonders.

🌿 Make space for rest and recharge

Transitions are tiring. Let them rest, play, and reconnect — without overfilling their diary or expecting them to be “back to normal” straight away.

🌿 Be the calm in their storm

Children co-regulate through the adults around them. The more grounded and steady we are, the more they can be too. (And if you're feeling wobbly — that's okay. Support yourself too.)

Remember…

Transitions aren’t something to fix — they’re something to move through. With gentleness, patience, and a few supportive tools, your child can come through this season feeling more secure and emotionally resilient.

In my next blog, I’ll share ways for parents and carers to support themselves during this time too — because your feelings matter just as much.

💛 How I Can Support You or Your Child

I offer one-to-one support for children, teens (8–18+), parents, and teachers who may be finding transitions or emotions overwhelming. Sessions are gentle, empowering, and tailored to each individual, using a blend of EFT tapping, coaching, and calming techniques. I work in person at my beautiful, peaceful therapy space in Bradford on Avon, or online via Zoom. If you’d like to explore support for yourself, your child, or your school, you’re warmly welcome to get in touch.

More info, availability, and pricing can be found at www.rachelstacey-mckay.com