Change Is In The Air

Here it comes. You can just start to sense a little hint of fall crispness in the mid-August breeze. Our adult eyes are turning toward September and the changes it brings. Goodbyes are being said to many dear Kidspace children who have made this their happy weekday home away from home for five years. Others have been gradually transitioning into new classrooms and getting to know their teachers and new friends; and, we all are welcoming brand new children and families to our center. Everyone is looking forward to enjoying time together at the all school picnic at beautiful Carkeek Park on Sunday, August 21, from 3-6.

No matter how happy the change, change always brings with it some stress. Helping your child navigate their way through transitions requires extra measures of your understanding and tender loving care. You may see heightened volatility, irritability, intensity, anxiousness, reticence, provocativeness. Oh joy. . .  It's not really all that helpful to know these are possibilities, but it can make a difference for your own peace of mind and for your child's comfort  if you are intentional in preparing yourself and them for what lies ahead. When we feel as prepared as we can be, changes go more smoothly and the frequency of surprising reactions are at a minimum.

Each of us is somewhat "prewired" in the ways we react to things, and our patterns of behavior and  personality remain consistent through life. Researchers Thomas and Chess identified 9 traits of temperament observable from infancy on that are helpful to be aware of as you puzzle out how your child handles change. The nine areas are: Activity Level, Adaptability, Regularity, Sensitivity, Distractibility, Mood, Persistence, Intensity, and Approach / Withdrawal, and here is a link for more in-depth information about them and how understanding them can improve your satisfaction with family life. When you think of each of these areas, consider if you would scale your child  high, medium, or low in these traits. For instance, if your child is extremely persistent or is not at all persistent, either of these situations can at times prove challenging. It's great when a highly persistent child works at something until it is accomplished, but when you have said no to that child's a request for a treat at the market and they hammer you about it relentlessly, it becomes difficult. As you think about your child's tendencies in temperament, it can help you to better understand their perspective and anticipate how they may react to changes. In knowing these tendencies I find I can show more understanding and patience with my child, which leads to more positive day-to-day interactions. When we prepare ourselves and talk with our children about changes ahead, we all come through with fewer surprising upsets and pave a family's path of embracing life's changes in more harmonious ways.

I am wishing you well as summer winds down and we gear up for fall.