The end of the school year is an exciting time, but for many children, it also brings a lot of uncertainty. Moving from primary to secondary school, transitioning from nursery to Reception, or even changing classes can feel like a very big deal. For some children, especially those who find change difficult, this period can bring anxiety, sleep disruption, and changes in behaviour.
At Liverpool Occupational Therapy Services, we want to help families feel prepared and supported as they navigate these transitions together.
Why Transitions Can Feel So Hard
Children thrive on routine and predictability. When those routines change – new buildings, new teachers, new classmates, different timetables – the nervous system can go into a kind of alert mode. For children who already find sensory input, social situations, or emotional regulation challenging, school transitions can feel even more overwhelming.
Common signs that a child is finding a transition difficult include:
- Increased worry or anxious questions about the new school
- Sleep problems or changes in appetite
- Clinginess or reluctance to talk about the change
- Emotional outbursts that feel out of proportion
- Physical complaints like tummy aches or headaches
These are all normal responses to change. The good news is there is plenty you can do to help.
Practical Ways to Prepare Your Child:
Start Early
Begin talking about the change well in advance – but keep conversations calm and matter-of-fact. Children pick up on our anxiety, so try to frame the transition as a positive step, even if you have your own worries.
Visit the New Environment
If possible, arrange a visit to the new school or classroom before the term starts. Familiarity with the physical space can reduce a lot of the unknown. Walk the route, find the toilets, locate the lunch hall. The more a child can visualise their new environment, the less threatening it feels.
Use Social Stories
Social stories are short, simple narratives that walk a child through a new situation step by step. They can be written, drawn, or even told through photos of the new school. These work especially well for children who need more time to process change.
Keep Other Routines Stable
During a period of transition, try to keep other aspects of life predictable – regular mealtimes, consistent bedtime routines, and familiar weekend activities can all act as an anchor.
Validate Their Feelings
Let your child know it is okay to feel nervous. Saying something like “It makes sense to feel a bit wobbly about something new – I sometimes feel like that too” can go a long way. Avoid dismissing worries or rushing to fix them.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
If your child finds transitions particularly hard, occupational therapy can help by exploring the underlying reasons – whether that is sensory sensitivity, difficulties with emotional regulation, or challenges with social situations in new environments. We work with families and schools to develop personalised strategies that make transitions feel more manageable.
Get in touch with us to find out how we can support your child through this exciting new chapter.