Transition Anxiety Is Real: Helping a Child Adjust to Change with Storytelling

Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems

Does your child melt down when something new is on the horizon? Whether it's starting a new school year, a big birthday, or a shift in routine, transition anxiety is real.

In this episode, I share why understanding the reality of transition anxiety  - and using the power of story - is one of the most effective tools for helping a child adjust to change.

We dive into the science and heart behind the importance of storytelling to child development, and I walk you through my favorite storytelling formula that’s easy, even if you’re not “a creative parent.” When you learn to use stories to make sense of what’s happening in your child’s world, you also create a space for how to encourage a child to express their feelings - even if they usually shut down.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• Why transition anxiety often shows up when we least expect it - and how to spot it before it becomes a meltdown
• How the importance of storytelling to child development shows up in everyday moments - and how to use that to your parenting advantage
• My go-to 3-step strategy for helping a child adjust to change with simple, emotionally attuned storytelling
• How to encourage a child to express their feelings - without forcing uncomfortable conversations
• A real-world example of how I used this exact strategy with a child facing three major life transitions - and how you can adapt it for your own family

This episode is designed to help you feel grounded and confident when your child is spiraling through transition anxiety. If you’re craving expert-backed, emotionally aware solutions for helping a child adjust to change, this is where you start. Plus, you’ll understand the real importance of storytelling to child development and how it can dramatically shift your child’s ability to cope, connect, and communicate.

You’ll also learn practical ways for how to encourage a child to express their feelings, especially during emotional storms - so that you can stop second-guessing and start leading with calm, clarity, and compassion.

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