Supporting Your Child Through Life’s Changes

When life throws the unexpected at your family, how do you respond? Change happens quickly, and often adults can have difficulty managing. However, we find that children often need more support. Whether it's a divorce, the loss of a family member, moving, changes in finances, there is often an impact on your family before they adjust. When a child is feeling anxious or disconnected, the most powerful tool I’ve found in therapy is my consistent and steady presence. It helps families navigate and process change—allowing them to feel regulated, heard, engaged, and grounded in the present moment.

In this blog we will explore how you can use some of these tools to further support your family in times of change.

1. Quality Time – Increasing the amount of quality time with your child will really show them the depth of your support. Some examples of quality time could include drawing with your child, playing balloon toss, kicking a ball back and forth, racing cars, creating slime, or simply letting your child share their interests. Overall, immersing yourself in your child’s world can help a child feel seen, understood and give opportunity to communicate their feelings and feel connected to you in times of adjustment.

2. Maintaining Structure and Limits

Children crave structure and guidance based on familial expectations. You may find that your child is boundary-testing during their adjustment to change. This can be a normal response, but it’s important to uphold boundaries. While life may be unpredictable for them, let them find predictability within the family. If your child pushes against your limits, use the moment to listen, reflect, and acknowledge their feelings while still maintaining the established boundaries. Helping your child feel heard, aiding them in identifying their emotions, and helping them co-regulate will all contribute to your child’s ability to understand and handle their choices as well as the limits.  

3. Establishing a Routine

 If your child is moving between households, try creating a routine for their return to your household that suits your family. Involving your child in your routine is a great way to stay connected and get things done around the home. Giving your child choices and the ability to contribute helps them feel in control when other parts of their life may feel out of control. Visual charts or reminders can also be helpful for your child as they adjust.

 4. Therapy

 Therapy can provide a safe space for your child or for you to heal, process, and find support during times of change. In therapy, you and your child can develop new skills, process emotions, increase regulatory skills, receive parenting support, and build resilience, among many other benefits.

While the changes you're facing may seem like a difficult path, do your best to take it one step at a time. You’ve already made it this far, and there’s no harm in reaching out for more support. If you need it, Zimmerman Therapy Group is here to help.

As always - take care,  

Haylee Clark, AMFT141461