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PDT Real Talk: Helping Kids Through Big Transitions
Real parent stories on the little things that make big changes easier
Mona Amin
August 31, 2025
New classrooms, new teachers, new drop-offs…August has a way of throwing us right into change. And while transitions can be exciting, they often come with a mix of nerves, resistance, and big feelings, for both parents and kids.
So we asked you:
What’s something that helped your child feel more secure during a big transition, like starting school, daycare, or a new routine?
Your responses were full of practical, heart-filled ideas. Here’s what stood out.
Comfort and connection
For many of you, the magic came in simple anchors of safety: a lovey, a picture, a song, or even a drawn heart. These little reminders say “you’re not alone, even when we’re apart.”
Read Llama Llama Missed Mama and gave a lovey specific for the car to get excited about car rides.
I draw a heart on me and a heart on him so he feels connected while we are apart.
We included pictures of my son’s important people (mom, dad, auntie) in the front pocket of his backpack. That way, if he needed to “see” us, we were available to him.
A security item - when we did our last big transition we put a book in his bag that he carried everywhere with him until he was comfortable in his new environment.
Others found that giving kids choice, like picking out their backpack, water bottle, or even new bedding, helped them feel grounded.
Letting them something special for it-like a lunchbox/water bottle/backpack for school; a special blanket or stuffed animal to nap with at a new child care place (if on a cot/mat, not in a crib); or letting them pick bedding for their new “big kid” bed. Any chance to give them control/power, especially during change, helps them feel grounded and just better about it all.
These comfort items and small choices do more than soothe. They give kids a sense of connection and control at a time when so much feels out of their hands.
Rituals and routines
Predictability also played a starring role. Many of you shared that sticking to familiar routines, or creating playful new ones, helped your kids know what to expect, even when the rest of life was shifting.
During any major transition, it has always helped my son to stick to common routines we have already established, such as reading before bed, incorporating a lovey, and helping us feed our kitties. These routines might seem simple but they are a reminder that home will always be there no matter the changes life brings.
What has helped us at home is giving my son time to get ready and not rush. It took me a while to figure it out but it definitely helps. Yes, some morning are tough because you do have to rush but I’ve seen the days where we give him time to play with a toy or color or ride his bike before going to school has really helped. And getting a full nights rest also helps. Hope this was helpful!
An upbeat Playlist of songs that remind them (both girls) that they are strong and can do hard things (like navigate change!) and songs also reminding them to celebrate overcoming those things that they didn't think they could do.
Whether it’s a book at bedtime, a silly playlist in the car, or a calm morning rhythm, routines signal safety and offer a sense of comfort. They tell kids, “this part is always the same,” even when the rest of the day is different.
Preparing ahead
Another theme that came through was prep. Talking through the plan, showing kids the new place, or arranging a playdate with a familiar face helped ease the unknown.
Prepared children for activity by explaining activity beforehand. And establishing that after activity would get a sticker. Now everytime they go to therapy/Dr they are excited instead of scared.
Play dates with kids we know will be going to same school, not sure if it’s the same class but at least he’ll have familiar faces at school.
Lots of discussion in advance about what the new routine would be - where he would be going, when, what the daily schedule would now look like, and even a pre-visit to preview the new routine!
Talking to my children about the big transition and letting them know that emotions are okay. That it could feel a lot of things such as exciting and scary at the same time. I explain the point of this activity. Mommy has to work and someone needs to watch you. Making it exciting and telling them about the great things they will experience. And telling them who will pick them up at the end of the day such as mommy or someone else.
For kids, having a mental map turns the “unknown” into something familiar. Even just knowing who will pick them up at the end of the day can make the whole experience feel safer to them.
And sometimes, it just takes time
Here’s the truth: you can do all the things and still have hard days. Some kids need extra time to trust new people and places. Progress isn’t always linear. One day may go smoothly, while the next might feel like you’re starting over. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means your child is learning, slowly but surely, that they can feel safe in new spaces.
So if your best tool right now is a song on repeat or matching hearts, lean into it. And if tomorrow looks messy again? There’s always another chance to try. Adjustment is a process, not a flip of a switch.
For you too
Transitions don’t just challenge our kids. They challenge us. As parents, we’re also adapting to new schedules, shifting roles, and the emotions that come with them.
If you’re feeling stretched thin, this PedsDocTalk podcast episode on life changes might be worth a listen. It digs into why change feels hard, how to process the stress that comes with it, and practical ways to find your footing in seasons of transition. It’s not about doing more, it’s about finding steadier ground while so much is shifting.
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who shared your experiences this month. These stories remind us that transitions look different in every family, but safety, connection, and patience are common between most.
The giveaway winner has been notified by email. Stay tuned for our next Real Talk question in the September Q&A newsletter.
PedsDocTalk Monthly Recap
Check out the PedsDocTalk monthly recap of the most-viewed and talked-about content on Instagram, YouTube, and the podcast. From after-school meltdowns to breastfeeding myths, these topics have sparked important conversations. Take a look at what’s been catching your attention this month!
On Instagram
This post breaks down restraint collapse, that after-school meltdown that happens not because something went wrong, but because you're your child's safe space. It’s a normal part of adjusting after a long day of holding it together. The post also shares tips for making after-school transitions smoother, especially during the back-to-school season.
This post clears up common breastfeeding misconceptions, like why you still need to pump if baby gets a bottle in the early weeks. It also covers all the common curveballs of newborn feeding. A helpful dose of clarity and reassurance for anyone navigating the early feeding phase.
On YouTube
This video breaks down what’s actually normal in the early days of breastfeeding, like cluster feeding, short (or long) nursing sessions, colostrum, and newborn weight loss. It also covers common concerns like latch pain, low supply, and when to consider supplementing.
On The Podcast
This episode gets real about the gaps in breastfeeding support, especially in pediatric care. It covers common myths, why pediatricians sometimes give confusing advice, and how pacifiers, pumping, and formula can all fit into a successful feeding journey. It’s an honest, supportive conversation about what parents really need in the early days, and why mental health matters just as much as milk supply.
In The Media
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