Three expert tips for a smooth transition.
August 15, 2025
Written by Andrew Lyon, MPH, CPS, McCall’s Director of Prevention Services.
As parents (including guardians and supportive adults), it’s so crucial that we never overlook the importance of connection, communication, and being present in the lives of our children. Such factors are critical in order to take protective steps that help our kids lead healthy, happy lives now and into the future.
These steps include developing the skills to build and maintain healthy relationships, employing effective conflict mitigation, using healthy coping strategies, and more. To be effective, these skills must be “planted” into the lives of children early, much like seeds, so they may grow and develop.
They’re particularly important as your children transition into new stages, situations, or phases in their lives. A common transition that all kids go through (and often dread) is the end of summer break and the beginning of a new school year.
As a parent of young children myself, it’s astounding to see how big a difference simply being engaged and involved in their lives makes in their day-to-day attitude, as well as their growth and development.
Three suggestions for a smooth transition.
- Stay connected.
Making extra time for your kids will show them that you’re interested in their lives and you’re there to support them with whatever they need. Create a daily routine in which your children are invited to share their feelings or discuss their experiences as school starts up again. It’s also a great opportunity for you to model healthy emotional expression and maybe even share some favorite memories of your time at school. - Encourage planning and problem-solving.
Preparing your kids for what to expect can help reduce any stress and anxiety they may be experiencing with the impending change. Involve them in planning for what their days will look like, including before and after school. Invite them to share any worries or questions they might have and work together to come up with practical solutions. - Keep the conversation going.
Contacting your child’s teachers and maintaining communication with them will enable you to play a role in your child’s successful education. Open communication between home and school supports your child’s growth and development and allows you to better understand and respond to changes or challenges that your child may be facing. This creates an opportunity to intervene when necessary while opening the door for meaningful conversations with your children about what they’re learning and experiencing.
Every day, McCall’s Prevention Services team strives to help communities embrace the values that create spaces of health, growth, and happiness for everyone. We achieve this in part by sharing information from valuable partners like CASEL, as well as through our work across Litchfield County.
Click here to discover what the Prevention Services Department can offer for your city or town.
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