When children are afraid about the unknown (new school, new grade, new house, etc), how do you handle it? Do you reassure them and say, “it’ll be okay, don’t worry about it” or do you try to help them process their thoughts and feelings? Our children need to know we understand how they feel. Don’t try to fix the worry or dismiss it; instead, validate their feelings and empathize with them. Here are additional ideas to help you with this process.
1. Read: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to get your child thinking about caterpillars and butterflies.
2. Invite your child to draw a caterpillar, a cocoon, and a butterfly.
3. The other day I was helping one of my young clients with her fears. I decided to use my caterpillar/butterfly puppet to talk about changes. Then I told her the following story. Share it with your child.
Charlie the Worried Caterpillar