Navigating New Beginnings With Nature
It’s that time of year again—the first days of September. The air has a crispness to it that wasn’t there just a few weeks ago, the leaves are just starting to hint at the colors they’ll soon be bursting into, and there’s that familiar buzz of new beginnings. Whether you’re sending your little one off to their very first day of school, watching your middle schooler head off with their brand-new backpack, or helping your college student load up the car for another year away from home, this time of year is all about transitions. And let’s be honest—change can be hard. It tugs at our hearts, makes us a little misty-eyed, and stirs up a mix of emotions that can be downright overwhelming.
As a mom who’s been through all of these stages—and as someone who works with kids from preschool all the way up to middle school—I get it. There’s that ache when you realize your baby isn’t such a baby anymore, the pride when you see them take those steps toward independence, and the fear of the unknown as they embark on new adventures. But here’s the thing: Change is not just okay; it’s essential. It’s how our kids grow, learn, and become the incredible people they’re meant to be. And it’s also how we grow as parents.
So, let’s talk about how we can navigate these transitions together, how we can support our kids as we step into this new school year, and how we can use the great outdoors to make these changes a little smoother.
The Many Faces of Transition
First off, let’s acknowledge that transitions come in all shapes and sizes. For some of us, it’s sending a little one off to preschool for the very first time. That first day of school can feel monumental—for both you and your child. There’s the excitement, the nerves, the anticipation of what’s to come. It’s a huge step for them, and it’s also a huge step for you as a parent.
For others, it’s the high schooler who’s balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars, social life, and maybe even a part-time job. High school is such a formative time, filled with its own set of challenges and milestones. And for those of us with college kids, it’s that bittersweet moment of watching them drive away, knowing that they’re continuing to grow into the person they’re meant to be, even as you feel the pang of missing them more deeply than you expected.
No matter where you are on this journey, it’s important to remember that each transition is significant. Each step forward is a new beginning, a chance for growth, and an opportunity to support your child as they navigate their own path.
Helping Your Child Through Transitions
So how can we help our kids—regardless of their age—through these transitions? Here are a few things that have worked for me and for the families I’ve worked with over the years.
1. Acknowledge Their Feelings
One of the most important things we can do is simply to acknowledge how our kids are feeling. Whether they’re excited, nervous, scared, or a mix of all three, it’s important to let them know that their feelings are valid. For the preschooler who’s anxious about being away from home, acknowledging their fear and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel that way can make a world of difference. For the middle schooler who’s worried about fitting in, letting them know that it’s normal to feel unsure at first can help ease their anxiety. And for the college student who’s feeling the weight of adult responsibilities, reminding them that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed can provide a much-needed sense of relief.
2. Create a Routine
Kids of all ages thrive on routine, especially during times of transition. Establishing a consistent routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which is incredibly comforting when everything else feels new and uncertain. For your preschooler, this might mean having a special goodbye ritual each morning, like a secret handshake or a favorite song you sing together on the way to school. For your school aged child, it could be setting aside time each evening to check in about their day. And for your college student, it might be scheduling regular phone calls or video chats to stay connected, even from afar.
3. Encourage Independence
Transitions are all about growing up and stepping into new responsibilities, so it’s important to encourage your child’s independence, even when it’s hard to let go. For your preschooler, this might mean letting them pick out their clothes for the day or pack their own backpack. For your middle schooler, it could be giving them more responsibility at home, like helping with dinner or managing their own homework schedule. And for your college student, it’s about trusting them to make their own decisions, even if they’re not the ones you would make for them.
4. Use Nature as a Soothing Tool
One of the best ways to help your child (and yourself) through transitions is to spend time outdoors. Nature has a way of grounding us, of reminding us that life is full of cycles, and that change is a natural part of those cycles. Take your child on a nature walk and talk about the changes you see around you—the leaves changing color, the animals preparing for winter. Use it as a metaphor for the changes they’re experiencing in their own life. For older children, outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or even just sitting quietly in the park can be a great way to de-stress and reflect on the changes they’re going through. And for your college student, encourage them to find time in their busy schedule to get outside, even if it’s just for a quick walk between classes. Nature has a way of clearing the mind and providing perspective, which is so valuable during times of transition.
Wrapping Up
So here we are, at the start of a new school year, with all the excitement, nerves, and emotions that come with it. Whether you’re sending off your preschooler for the first time or watching your college student head back to campus, know that you’re not alone. Change is hard, but it’s also a beautiful part of life. And with a little help from nature, a solid routine, and a whole lot of love, we can all navigate these transitions together.
Take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. Here’s to new beginnings, and to the incredible journey that lies ahead.
