The last year and a half, for my family, has been about major transitions. We picked up and moved across the country to Los Angeles last April, and through that experience I learned that there are subtle ways you can help kids transition and feel more comfortable with a big change. Whether is moving states, embracing a new sibling or going back to school after a fun summer, there are fundamental things to keep in mind. I partnered with Walmart to share my tips and how I helped Cadence transition back to school with style and confidence.
1. Focus On Comfort
Kids transitioning into new spaces want to feel some level of comfort. This year Cadence started Elementary school and they require uniforms. We went to Walmart to grab her uniform essentials, and although I thought Cadence looked adorable in the jumpers and shorts, she really loved the top and skirt/scooter combo. She said the scooter was more comfy for her and that was all I needed to hear.
You want your kids to feel comfortable, especially in a new environment. Instead of trying to insert my opinion, I made sure she felt empowered to pick out all her outfit combos for the first week.
2. Give Them A Choice, So They Feel Confident
Although Cadence’s outfit choices were limited to uniform options, I told her she could wear whatever she wanted elsewhere. She ended up picking this super cute clear kitty backpack in pink and gold. It’s super cute and make it really easy for her to see which school supplies she has to re-up on for the next day.
She also picked out her favorite pink princess water bottle as a companion. She literally takes it with her to school everyday.
I know that giving her a choice in her accessories helps building her confidence. The same way I let her pick out little items for her baby brother before he was born. It all helps with the transition.
Shop Cadence’s Look:
3. Invest Time Into The Transition
Cadence had a spectacular first two days in Kindergarten. She told me they were the best days of her life when I picked her up. By day three, she started crying serious tears when it was time to drop her off at class (something she barely EVER does, so I know it was real).
Thankfully, I prepared to take some time off of work that first week so that I could linger a few extra minutes for hugs and reassurance kisses, and help her with homework after school. Transitions are hard for everyone but if you plan ahead to spend a little extra time helping your little ones along, it will be so worth it.
Walmart has all the tangible basics for transition back to school, including school uniform essentials as well as fun accessories and back to school supplies. That part is easy. The hard part is preparing kids emotionally, but much of that starts with building your own confidence as a mommy first, so you can help them build confidence in themselves.
I hope this was helpful1 Feel free to comment below and share the ways that you help transition your kids back to school or during new seasons in life.
Baby girl looks ready for Kindergarten! Amazing tips for such a big life event, Christina. I recently enrolled JP in a new school and it hit many other developmental changes at the same time. So it’s been a roller coaster. But you’re absolutely right about establishing “your confidence as a mommy first.” Cheers to an amazing school year!