When Changes Affect Your Child

None of us like too much change in our lives, but when changes are afoot in a children's life it can really affect them in a big way. It is really important to try and handle any changes in a sensitive and thoughtful way, to manage it proactively and to deal with it as if you were a child, not like an adult. Here are some thoughts about helping children cope with changes in their life.

• Chat to them about the change. Choose a time when they are calm and happy and speak easily and in a supportive manner.
• Talk about what your child enjoys at school and in clubs and then talk about what they don't like. This will help them feel confident enough to chat and may unearth some interesting facts you didn't know about.
• Talk about friends and people your children play with.
• Talk to their carers in private and discuss the issues.
• Try to keep to a routine and keep things the same.
• Give plenty of reassurance.

If a child is not coping with change you may spot some of the following:

• They become clingy and fearful to leave you
• They may become panicky and breathless
• They may complain of illness and headaches
• They may become less inclined to talk and communicate
• They may loose interest in activities
• They may become bad tempered and angry