Coping with Change
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What you will learn
- 1Recognize that change is a normal part of life
- 2Name feelings that change can bring
- 3Use the sentence "When things change, I can ___" to choose a healthy coping response
Mini Lesson
Life is always moving and shifting — like weather. Sometimes the change is exciting, like starting something new. Sometimes it feels scary or sad, like leaving something you love. Both are completely normal.
What kinds of changes happen?
- Big changes: moving to a new home, starting a new club, a new baby in the family.
- Smaller changes: a different routine, a new babysitter, a plan that gets canceled.
- Both big and small changes can make us feel wobbly inside — and that is okay.
Feelings change can bring
- Worried, scared, or unsure — because the new thing is unknown.
- Excited or curious — because something new might be wonderful.
- Sad — because you miss the way things were before.
- All of these feelings are valid. You can feel more than one at the same time.
Healthy ways to cope with change
- Take a breath and remind yourself: "I have handled new things before."
- Talk to a trusted adult about what worries you — they can help you understand the change.
- Look for what stays the same — some things in your life will not change at all.
- Give it time — new things often feel better once you adjust to them.
- Be curious — ask yourself what good things might come from this change.
Words to know
Change
When something is different from before
e.g. Moving to a new home is a big change.
Cope
To handle a hard feeling in a healthy way
e.g. I cope with change by talking about it.
Adjust
To get used to something new
e.g. I adjust to my new bedroom.
Routine
The order of things you usually do each day
e.g. My routine changed when lessons started.
Curious
Eager to learn about something new
e.g. I am curious about my new neighbor.
Ask yourself: "When things change, what is one healthy thing I can do to feel steady?"
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