Adults can become slightly obsessed with readiness at this time of year. Ready for secondary school. Ready for more independence. Ready for change.

But children aren’t a conveyor belt. I think we underestimate how much children grieve transitions - even positive ones.

They lose classrooms, teachers, rhythms, friendship dynamics, familiarity, identity. Even moving up one school year changes a child’s ecosystem.

And perhaps confidence doesn’t come only from looking ahead bravely. Perhaps it also comes from being able to look back and think: “I belonged there.” “I survived that.” “I changed this year.”

Children build identity through being witnessed. So before we rush them toward what’s next, perhaps we pause long enough to notice who they’ve been this year first.

Thank you for pausing with me. Take care.

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