In light of recent events, including natural disasters and acts of violence, we are holding space for families and caregivers navigating the emotional weight of grief, uncertainty, and change. Whether a child is coping with the loss of a loved one or simply adjusting to the new rhythm of the school year, transitions of all kinds deserve to be met with care, patience, and understanding.
The Nanny League recognizes that childhood is shaped not just by joyful milestones but also by the ways we help children through life’s inevitable disruptions, both big and small.
From Catastrophic to Mundane: Why All Transitions Matter
Grief doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. For some children, it can show up as quiet withdrawal. For others, it may be sudden emotional outbursts or trouble sleeping. And while returning to school after summer break may seem routine to adults, for a child, it can bring feelings of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm.
Transitions, whether catastrophic or everyday, can leave children feeling nervous. But with the right emotional environment, we can help them regain a sense of safety and stability.
What Caregivers Can Do: Supporting Children Through Life’s Ups and Downs
Here are a few tools to help you create a supportive, emotionally secure space for the children in your care:
1. Prioritize Predictability
In times of stress or grief, even the smallest routine can provide comfort. Keeping wake-up and bedtime routines consistent, building in quiet moments, and maintaining shared mealtimes can go a long way in helping children feel safe.
Tip: If your existing routines have been disrupted, consider introducing gentle structure like a morning “check-in” or after-school walk to reestablish a sense of normalcy.
2. Take Breaks
Not every moment needs to be productive. Children and their caregivers need a balance of activity, rest, and connection. When transitioning into the school year or recovering from a traumatic event, it’s helpful to notice energy shifts throughout the day and adjust accordingly. While routines are helppful, slowing down is just as important.
Tip: Allow extra time during transitions, and notice what moments seem to drain or energize your child.
3. Create or Reinforce Family Habits
Whether it’s singing a song at bedtime, sharing daily gratitude, or having a special goodbye phrase before school, these little habits offer emotional security and continuity, even when the world around them feels uncertain.
Tip: Ask your child to help choose a new family habit to empower them with a voice in their changing environment.
4. Make Room for Emotion Without Needing to “Fix” It
Children experiencing grief or anxiety may not always verbalize what they’re feeling. Let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or confused. Sometimes, the most supportive response is simply being present and listening.
Tip: Instead of saying “don’t cry,” try “I’m here with you.” Your calm presence is more powerful than your solution.
5. Be Gentle With Yourself Too
Children look to the adults in their lives for cues on how to navigate the world. Just like how nervous plane passengers look to the Flight Attendants to see if they’re calm during turbulence, children look to their caregivers.
Offering them support doesn’t require perfection, it just requires presence. When you take time to regulate your own emotions, you’re modeling self-care and resilience for the little ones you love.
In Partnership With Families
The Nanny League is committed to supporting families through every chapter, especially the hard ones. Whether you’re navigating grief, back-to-school nerves, or something in between, know that you’re not alone.
We encourage you to explore this resource on Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen and Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen for more tools and inspiration. It’s full of practical ideas for bringing calm, connection, and care to your daily rhythm.
Let’s keep showing up for the children in our lives with grace, patience, and love.