{"id":236278,"date":"2024-08-01T13:35:51","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T13:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominiclevent.com\/blog\/?p=236278"},"modified":"2024-08-01T13:35:51","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T13:35:51","slug":"change-anxiety-and-your-kids-tips-from-a-parent-mediator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominiclevent.com\/blog\/change-anxiety-and-your-kids-tips-from-a-parent-mediator\/","title":{"rendered":"Change, Anxiety and Your Kids: Tips From a Parent Mediator"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As summer draws to a close, you might find yourself navigating a variety of transitions<\/a>\u2014camp ends, family vacations, and, of course, the start of a new school year. That\u2019s a lot of change, anxiety and stress over just a few weeks.<\/p>\n

These shifts can heighten anxiety for everyone\u2014parents and children alike\u2014especially for neurodiverse children or kids who are already prone to stress. And if you\u2019re co-parenting post-divorce across two homes, smoothing the path for these transitions can become even more challenging.<\/p>\n

Managing change is a natural part of parenting, and while it can sometimes feel scary and uncertain to your children (and to the parents, too!), it can also bring positive growth. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to help parents reduce the stress that so often accompanies end-of-summer transitions.<\/p>\n

Here are five tips for change, anxiety and your kids (and you!) as you navigate these many transitions in a short period of time:<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Manage Your Own Stress: Stressed-out Parents Lead to Stressed-out Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When parents are stressed, their kids will notice and feel the tension, too. Children are incredibly perceptive, and they pick up on parental anxiety.<\/p>\n

When parents have trouble agreeing on an end-of-summer plan or are visibly upset or stressed about the end of summer, kids will pick up on their parents\u2019 energy and likely follow their lead. The inverse holds true as well.<\/p>\n

So, to help the children stay on track, parents should make sure to attend to their own emotions, both positive and negative. Remember, the more you cooperate as parents and prevent things from escalating, the more opportunities there will be for your children to feel grounded.<\/p>\n

2. Communicate Your Plans Early and Often<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Proactive and frequent communication is essential.<\/p>\n

\"Feig<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kids thrive on predictability, and creating this predictability is an active process. Sitting down with them so they feel like they are part of the planning and know what to expect can go a long way toward helping them navigate the end of summer more successfully.<\/p>\n

For example, if camp ends on August 6th and family vacation starts on August 10th, go over the transition with the kids beforehand. Provide details about the trip, such as where you\u2019re staying and flight information, and help them figure out what to pack. This transparency and cooperation can reduce their anxiety and help them view what\u2019s coming up more positively.<\/p>\n

Additionally, inform them early about the start of school and consider talking with them about planning a fun outing to buy school supplies the week before. Involving the kids in their own family plans gives them a stake in how the school year begins.<\/p>\n