[Article] Through the Eyes of a Child

Like many of you, this Fall my little guy is going through a big transition… he’s starting Kindergarten. As I prepare to step into this new chapter of parenthood (and all the unknowns that come with it), I find myself sometimes consumed with questions and what-ifs: 

Who will his friends be? 

Will he have a warm teacher? 

What will his learning experience look like?

Sometimes those questions swirl into worry and a loss of control over what’s next. I catch myself spiraling and use the same skills I share with my therapy clients to talk myself back out of the rabbit hole.

BUT WHAT ABOUT HIM? WHAT'S HAPPENING IN HIS MIND?

I’ve worked with children of all ages, walking alongside them through countless school-year transitions, listening to their stories in play, in art, in conversation, and in their wordless emotional expressions. So today, I wanted to try something different and give you perspective through the voice of our children.

Hi, I’m five.

Tomorrow I’m going to Kindergarten! Mommy, you told me the name of my new teacher, but I can’t remember it. I hope she’s nice like my preschool teacher… not strict like my camp counselor. I hope she smiles a lot and lets us play, not just sit in chairs talking about rules all day.

How long is school, anyway? I hope it’s not forever. You and Daddy say I’ll make new friends, and I love making friends! But sometimes kids do things I don’t like, or they get in trouble, and then it’s hard for me to focus.

Oh no, where’s the bathroom? Will they show us? Will I have to ask a stranger if I can go? What if I can’t remember the teacher’s name when I need to ask? Maybe I’ll just hold it until I get home.

I am excited for something called “recess.” My school has swings, a basketball court, and even a garden! I think I’m going to like it… but I also feel a little nervous. You both keep telling me I’ll love it, and maybe you’re right. I guess we’ll see.

Hi, it’s me again.

It’s the end of my first week of school. And I’m sooooo tired. 

When I get home, I have big, big monster feelings. Sometimes you try to talk to me about my day, but all I want to do is grab my bunny, my favorite blanket, and curl up in my spot on the couch. I’m not ready to talk yet.

I’m learning a lot of new things, and there are a lot of new expectations I have to remember every day; raise my hand, follow classroom rules, keep up with the schedule. I’m being exposed to so many new things too: new personalities, new ways of learning, fire drills, safety drills. That alarm is so loud, and when it goes off my body goes into a panic… but Mommy you’re not there to keep me safe.

Also… I’m hungry. I don’t eat much at lunch because the lunchroom is loud, it smells weird, and I get distracted talking to my new friends. When I’m hungry, I can’t think, and I don’t have energy for the rest of the day.

You keep telling me to be brave. I am brave. But please remember—this is REALLY, REALLY hard. Even when I look like I’ve got it together at drop-off, sometimes all I want to do is cry or yell when I get home. Not because I’m mad at you… but because you’re my safety zone.

You may notice that bedtime is my favorite time to talk with you. I know you’re really tired, and you may not have the patience for a long bedtime routine, but this is when I feel most relaxed and ready to share. Please be patient with me. I need you to listen. I want to tell you about my day. I want to snuggle with you.

 …I think I need more water. 

Can you read me another story? 

Can you lay with me until I fall asleep? 

Wait—I need to go to the bathroom again. 

So there’s this boy in my class, and you’ll never believe what he did! 

I love you Mommy, stay with me forever. 

If you recognize your own child in these words, know this:

Transitions are big work for little humans. They can be excited and scared. They can be brave and overwhelmed. And sometimes the best way we can help is by making space for all of it and reminding them that their safe place will always be with us.

---

If you reside in New Jersey and would like transition support for you or your child, contact us for a consultation. I would be honored to walk alongside you.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website, in blog posts, downloads, and any other materials by Transformations Therapy Center is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accessing or reading this information does not create a therapist-client relationship between you and Transformations Therapy Center.

All original content on this site, including text, graphics, logos, images, and downloadable materials, is protected under applicable copyright laws. It is provided to you for personal use. Unauthorized use or sale of this material without express and written permission from Dr. Jennifer Weberman is strictly prohibited.