“The Only Constant in Life Is Change”
Supporting Children Through Change
Change is a natural part of life, but for young children, it can feel confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes unsettling.
Over recent years, many families have experienced more change than usual. Even as adults, we can find change difficult, despite being able to prepare for it, understand it, and put it into context. For young children, who are still developing emotionally and cognitively, these skills are not yet in place.
This means that even changes which seem small to us can feel very big to them.
Changes That Can Impact Young Children
Children may experience many different changes as they grow, including:
The arrival of a new sibling
Moving to a new home
Parental separation or changes in family dynamics
A parent working away for extended periods
The death of a family member or pet
Nursery transitions (between rooms, or moving on to school)
Changes in care routines, such as potty training or moving from a cot to a bed
How Change May Show Itself
Children don’t always have the language to explain how they feel. Instead, their emotions may show through behaviour. You might notice:
Emotional outbursts or increased tantrums
Heightened anxiety or clinginess
Changes in sleep or appetite
Regression, such as bedwetting
Behaviour that feels out of character
These responses are normal and often a child’s way of telling us they are finding something difficult.
Supporting Children Positively Through Change
We can’t prevent change, but we can help children feel safe, understood, and supported as they move through it.
What to Avoid
Don’t assume a child is ‘too young’ to be affected. Even babies can pick up on changes in mood, stress, and routine.
Don’t ignore the change. Being open helps children feel that their thoughts and feelings matter.
Don’t make the topic taboo. If a child feels unable to talk, emotions can build up and become harder to manage.
What Helps
Involve your child wherever possible.
Giving children small choices helps them feel a sense of control, whether that’s helping care for a new sibling, choosing bedroom colours, or picking their own underwear when moving out of nappies.Use books, stories, and photos.
These can help explain changes in a way children understand. Photos of a previous home, a loved one, or special memories can open gentle conversations and reassure children that it’s okay to feel sad, worried, or confused.Talk openly and honestly.
Simple, reassuring language works best. Let your child know that their feelings are valid, and that they’re not alone in them.Let nursery know.
When we understand what’s happening at home, we can better support your child emotionally while they’re with us.Respond with patience and empathy.
Challenging behaviour is often communication. Emotional coaching can help children learn to recognise and manage their feelings over time.
Recommended Books to Support Children Through Change
Books can be a powerful way to start conversations and help children feel understood.
New Sibling
What’s in Your Tummy, Mummy? – Sam Lloyd
I’m a Big Sister / I’m a Big Brother – Joanna Cole
There’s a House Inside My Mummy – Vanessa Cabban
Moving House
My New Home – Marta Altés
Topsy and Tim Move House – Jean & Gareth Adamson
Moving House – Anne Civardi
Potty Training
On My Potty – Leslie Patricelli
The Potty Book for Girls / Boys – Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Once Upon a Potty – Alona Frankel
Grief
Lost in the Clouds – Tom Tinn-Disbury
The Memory Tree – Britta Teckentrup
Starting School
Starting School – Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Parental Separation
Where Did You Go Today? – Jenny Duke
My Family’s Changing – Pat Thomas
Two Homes – Claire Masurel
Working Together
Supporting children through change works best when families and educators work together. If you ever have concerns, questions, or would like advice tailored to your child, please speak to your child’s key person, we’re here to help.