Transitions

Last Friday, my 8-year-old came home from the last day of school crying. “I won’t see my teacher again!” she sobbed. “And my best friend is moving!” Instead of immediately reassuring her or trying to fix the situation, I remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I sat beside her and said, “I know this feels really sad. Endings are hard, even when new beginnings are coming.” The look of grief mixed with growing understanding on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice handling transitions in a low-stakes environment. ...

Last Thursday, my 8-year-old tried on her favorite dress from last year and realized it no longer fit. She sat on the floor crying, holding the dress. “I don’t want to grow up!” she sobbed. Instead of immediately replacing the dress or minimizing her grief, I remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I sat beside her and said, “I know this feels sad. Growing means changes, and changes can be hard.” The look of grief mixed with growing acceptance on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice handling outgrowing something in a low-stakes environment. ...