Change is something that both parents and children have to cope with. It may be that your child is going off to university or to college or that they are going to a new school or starting school. Some children cope with this transition easily as do their parents but for some, it can be a daunting and traumatic time, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. And sometimes, these feelings of hopelessness, emptiness and not being able to cope can lead to depression.
Children Leaving Home
Many parents look forward to their children or child leaving home, as it will bring about the time when the house and home can get “back to normal”. However, many view it with dread and wonder how they will cope with an empty nest and even for those parents relishing the idea and seeing it as an opportunity for life to themselves again, when the actual time comes, this transitional period can be very different to what they expected. For children, many cannot wait to leave home, to gain their independence and be outside of their parent’s clutches and many embrace the change revelling in a newfound freedom. However, conversely the reality of leaving home may turn out not to be what they were expecting with feelings of being home sick and lonely.
Starting Or Changing Schools
For children this can be an emotional time. It may be that they are starting school or moving schools, perhaps from primary to secondary school. It could be that their friends are not moving with them or perhaps parents have relocated to a new area and the children have to go to a new school. These scenarios may lead to feelings of low esteem or inadequacy and children may even find themselves in a situation of being bullied. Conversely, it may be an exciting and enjoyable time as everyone wants to be friends with the “new kid on the block”.
How To Cope?
· Accept that things are changing
· Stress can be normal in times of change
· Eat healthily
· Exercise regularly
· Maintain a regular schedule
· Talk about the situation
· Realise that it is OK to be emotional
· Take time to relax
· Seek help
It is imperative that you accept that your circumstances and those of your children are changing and so allow yourself time to adjust to them and face up to them. At these times, it’s quite normal to feel a little anxious, so don’t hold everything in, and allow yourself to cry, laugh or feel cross. Try to keep your daily routine as normal as possible and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Think about the positives of the change and realise the opportunities it presents.
What To Do Next
If you are a parent struggling to cope or feel that your child is having difficulties during this period of change, it may be necessary to seek professional help and talk things through. Karen Hoad is a qualified and experienced Emotional Healing & Wellbeing Practitioner who will help you to overcome your negative emotions and feelings by finding the root cause in order to help you through the changes you or your children are going through. Call Karen on 07766 427966 for a without obligation chat or email karen@becomingaware.co.uk