From Classroom to Summer: Supporting Children Through School Year Endings and New Beginnings

As the school year comes to a close, many families celebrate milestones like graduations or the transition into summer break. While these moments can be exciting, they may also bring about stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval—especially for children who struggle with change or separation anxiety. As school clinical counselors, we often work with parents to help them support their children during these sensitive transitions in ways that build emotional resilience and create a sense of safety.

One of the most important steps is to acknowledge your child’s feelings. Changes such as leaving a beloved teacher, saying goodbye to friends, or graduating to a new school level can trigger feelings of grief, fear, or uncertainty. It's important to normalize these emotions by validating them without rushing to “fix” them. Simple statements like, “It’s okay to feel sad about leaving your classroom” or “I know change can feel scary” go a long way in helping children process transitions in a healthy way.

For children who struggle with anxiety, especially around separation or uncertainty, establishing predictable routines during the summer can provide much-needed structure. Routines help children feel secure, offering a sense of control amid the unknown. This doesn’t mean overscheduling, balance is key, but having consistent sleep times, meal routines, and planned activities can prevent feelings of aimlessness or overwhelm.

Preparing for transitions early is another helpful strategy. Talk about what’s coming next in an age-appropriate way: visit the new school, look at pictures of the upcoming grade level, or involve your child in planning their summer activities. For younger children, using visual calendars or storybooks about change can be very effective tools. For older kids, journaling or family discussions can help process emotions and set positive goals.

Finally, let your child know that they are not alone. Stay connected, offer reassurance, and emphasize your confidence in their ability to handle change. If needed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a school

counselor or therapist for additional support. With patience, empathy, and preparation, transitions can become powerful opportunities for growth and resilience.

Area of Support	Examples / Tools	Recommended Books	Helpful Phrases
Emotional Validation	Encourage open conversations about feelings; use feeling charts	The Invisible String by Patrice Karst When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Eland	"It’s okay to feel nervous about changes." "Your feelings make sense to me."
Preparation for Change	Use countdown calendars, preview new environments, create social stories	Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr	"Let’s look at what your new classroom might be like together." "We can get ready step by step."
Routine and Structure	Maintain consistent daily routines; use checklists and visuals	Use morning/evening routine charts	"Here’s what our day will look like today." "Let’s check off what we’ve done."
Coping Tools for Anxiety	Try breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or calming tools	Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey A Little Spot of Anxiety by Diane Alber	"Let’s take a deep breath together." "What can you see, hear, and feel right now?"
Connection and Support	Prioritize quality time; maintain strong relationships with friends and caregivers	All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold	"You’re not alone—I’ll be here to help." "Who would you like to talk to?"
Reflecting on Growth	Create memory books or celebrate milestones and small wins		"Look how much you’ve grown this year!" "I’m proud of how you handled that."