Books to Help Ease Transitions

Do you have a child making the transition from home to daycare or kindergarten? Or maybe your child is going about to embark on his journey to school after being homeschooled? Transitions are a big milestone for children and parents. Learning to be away from home can be difficult at first, but stepping into a new phase of life is full of excitement and new adventures.

Whatever transition your little one is making, some stories and books have been carefully created for young minds that can be the catalyst to help ease fears, diminish separation anxiety, and prepare them for new changes and challenges. Here are five books to help make any transition smooth for children. 

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This classic, heartwarming book is loved by many because it helps comfort the “I’ll miss you mom and dad” fear that children have in times of separation.

A little raccoon called Chester is anxious about going to school, so his mama shares a secret with him and gives him a kiss that will go with him everywhere he goes. This book is also made for mamas who miss their children while they’re away.

Maisy goes to pre-school by Lucy Cousins

If you are not familiar with Maisy, it is a delightful series of books by Lucy Cousins. Maisy goes to preschool with Dotty, Cyril, and Tallulah.  The book explains a lot of things a child might expect from a day at school such as having snacks, listening to stories, putting things on the peg to do artwork, playing outside as well as things that might be unfamiliar to little ones like going to the toilet and other things a school-goer might experience on a day to day basis.

Maisy goes to pre-school helps children know what will happen at school to ease separation anxiety.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

A must-read for little ones who are making a transition to a private nursery, preschools, or kindergarten.

Baby owls wake up to see their mother is not around. This book serves as a gentle reminder that mommy always comes back. If your child is getting anxious about you returning to work or themselves returning to kindergarten, the book will reassure them that everything will be fine and mama will always come back.

Llama LLama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

There is sometimes an emotional side linked with to transitioning to nursery or kindergarten but any child who has ever had a meltdown will acknowledge how a strong likable character like Llama experiences the first day feeling without his mama.

It’s comforting for children to know that they are not alone, a kind teacher, friends, and mama’s wisdom will make everything okay for them in the end. Llama Llama is also on Netflix so your child may also recognize the character from the series.

I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas

Owen is scared about being away from mommy and she explains to him how her love is always present as Owen makes new friends, spills his juice, and even waits in line for the bathroom and how she will love him all day long while they are apart

It is a wonderful book to share with nervous kids who experience separation anxiety to show them that the love of a parent stays with them at all times.