One minute I’m sobbing at my 4 year old’s end of the year song and dance show, and the next I’m wishing for a moment of solitude from the never-ending sibling quarrels and requests for snacks, beverages, and shows… all before 9am. Life with little humans, especially during times of transition, is complex. If it feels hard for us, it can be helpful to remember it likely might be tough for our kids.
As the school year comes to a close, and summer break officially starts, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the variety of emotions that both you and your children may be experiencing. At Present not Perfect, we firmly believe in the power of embracing imperfection and normalizing the ups and downs that come with not only parenting, but also navigating change. In this post, we would like to offer some tips on supporting you and your child through these emotional transitions.
- Encourage open communication: Transitions can be overwhelming, and it's important to create a safe space where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about being done with school and their new day-to-day life.
- Validate their emotions: Remind your child (and yourself!) that it is entirely normal to feel a wide range of emotions during transitions. Whether it's excitement, sadness, anxiety, or a combination of various feelings, let them know that what they're experiencing is valid. Normalize these emotions by sharing your own experiences and how you cope with them.
- Emphasize self-care: During periods of change, self-care becomes even more crucial. Encourage your child to engage in activities that bring them joy and help them relax. This could include spending time outdoors, reading, playing games, or pursuing hobbies they enjoy.
- Create a routine to feel safe: Establishing a routine can provide a sense of stability and security during transitions. Structure can help them feel more grounded and prepare for the summer ahead.
Remember, transitions are a natural part of life, and it's okay to feel a mix of emotions. By normalizing these experiences and providing support, we can help our children develop resilience and adaptability, which are essential skills for their future success.
At Present Not Perfect we are committed to nurturing the emotional wellness of families through play. Our Ocean/Emotions and Farming/Routine Kits can be additional helpful tools in supporting your child during this transition. Check them out here!
Cheers to all the feels,
Emily & Abbie