Photo from Freepik
Kids can cope with transitions when they feel seen, supported, and understood. Moving to a new school is one of the most significant changes a child can face. It’s more than just new teachers and classmates. It often means new routines, unfamiliar hallways, and the challenge of starting over. For many children, this change can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, this new beginning can become a time of growth and confidence.
In The Pet Nanny 2: Libby Goes to a New School, 13-year-old Libby Lancaster tries to balance life in a new school while running her pet-sitting business. Libby’s journey gives us a great example of how real kids adjust and how support can make all the difference. Her story stands out among many stories about a kid moving to a new school because it explores both the emotional and practical side of change.
Meet Libby, the Reluctant Entrepreneur Turned City Kid
Libby’s summer already feels upside down: her parents almost split, they sold the house, and she starts eighth grade in downtown Chicago. Rather than hide under the covers, she expands her pet-sitting business, printing fresh flyers and negotiating a raise. Her choice to act—rather than wait—anchors the book’s biggest message: Kids can cope with transitions by steering at least one part of the change themselves.
How Kids Can Cope with Transitionsinto a New School
Kids can cope with transitions by developing routines, expressing emotions through conversation or play, and receiving consistent support from parents or caregivers. Encouragement, reassurance, and patience help build emotional resilience. Involving them in decision-making and maintaining familiar activities or objects can ease anxiety and promote a sense of stability.
Start with a Conversation
One of the first steps to helping your child adjust is simply talking to them. Ask how they’re feeling. What are they looking forward to? What makes them nervous? When kids can name their feelings, it becomes easier for them to manage them.
Photo by Tiger Lily
Let them know that feeling unsure is a regular part of the process. You might even share your own experiences of starting something new. A simple conversation can help kids feel heard, and it reminds them that kids can cope with transitions, even when they feel uncertain.
Explore the School Together
Visiting the school before classes start can calm many of your child’s worries. Walk the halls. Point out the lunchroom, gym, office, and classrooms. Let them see where they’ll line up, catch the bus, or meet you after school.
These small details make the unfamiliar feel more manageable. A walk-through helps your child picture their first day with more confidence. This is one of the most direct ways to support how kids can cope with transitions.
Stick to Steady Routines at Home
Keeping a regular schedule at home creates a sense of safety. Wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes should stay consistent, especially during the first few weeks of school. When everything around them feels new, a predictable home routine gives children a sense of control.
This structure is essential because it allows children to focus their energy on adjusting to school. A calm, predictable home life can help kids cope with transitions more smoothly.
Name and Normalize Emotions
Many kids don’t yet have the words to explain how they feel. Instead of dismissing their worries, help them put their feelings into words. You could say, “It sounds like you’re a little anxious. That’s very normal when starting something new.”
When you help your child understand their feelings, you’re giving them the tools to navigate future challenges. Naming emotions is a quiet but powerful way to show that kids can cope with transitions by learning to manage what’s going on inside.
Encourage Social Connections
Starting over socially is often one of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new school. Encourage your child to participate in activities such as clubs, music groups, or sports. Even one new friend can make a big difference.
If your child is shy, practice conversation starters at home. You can role-play scenarios together. In the book, Libby finds friendships through her pet-sitting work. It’s a great reminder that shared interests create opportunities to connect and that kids can cope with transitions when they feel included.
Teach Simple Coping Tools
Even with preparation, your child will have moments of stress or uncertainty. Give them tools they can use when they feel overwhelmed. Teach them to breathe slowly, count backward from ten, or carry a comforting object, such as a small photo or note.
You can also write down positive affirmations like, “You’re brave” or “You’ve handled hard things before.” These tools enable your child to self-soothe. When things feel tough, they will remember that coping with change is possible by using the skills they’ve practiced.
Stay Connected to Old Friends
It’s okay for your child to miss their old school and friends. Let them keep in touch through messages, video calls, or letters. Knowing they can stay connected helps reduce the sense of loss.
At the same time, talk to your child about making room for new friends as well. These old and new relationships can exist together. When children feel supported by both, they are reminded that they can cope with transitions while still holding onto the people they care about.
Celebrate Progress, Big or Small
Every positive step deserves attention. Did your child introduce themselves to a classmate? Find their locker without help? Finish homework on time? Praise these efforts.
This encouragement helps build your child’s self-confidence. Even small victories show progress. It helps them realize that while change is hard, they are moving forward. Over time, this mindset allows kids can cope with transitions with greater confidence.
Every Child Deserves Support During Change
Photo from Freepik
Transitions can be challenging, but children are capable of adjusting when they have the necessary tools, support, and the belief that they can succeed.
Whether your child is facing a new school, a new town, or just a new classroom, remind them that they don’t have to do it alone. With patience and love, kids can cope with transitions and emerge stronger.
Want to Inspire Your Child with a Relatable Story?
Pick up a copy of The Pet Nanny 2: Libby Goes to a New School by Leisa Braband. This heartfelt story will encourage your child to embrace change, trust their abilities, and find strength in unexpected places. Let Libby’s story show your young reader how to manage with transitions, one small step at a time.
