January 22, 2026
Life is full of transitions—some planned, some unexpected. Whether you're navigating a separation, welcoming a new sibling, moving to a new home, or adjusting to a new work schedule, major life changes can feel overwhelming for everyone in the family, especially young children. When parents are co-parenting, whether living together or apart, these transitions require extra communication, patience, and a shared commitment to your child's well-being.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've had the privilege of supporting over 1,200 families from more than 35 countries since 1993. Through our child-centered approach, we've witnessed firsthand how children thrive when the adults in their lives work together with consistency, love, and understanding—even during challenging times.
This guide is designed to help you understand what your young child might experience during major transitions and provide practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Remember: you know your child better than anyone, and your dedication to their happiness is already a powerful foundation for success.
Young children experience the world differently than adults. While we might process change through conversation, planning, and reasoning, children ages 0-6 often express their feelings through behavior, play, and their bodies. Understanding what's developmentally typical can help you respond with compassion rather than frustration.
At this stage, children are developing their sense of security and attachment. During transitions, you might notice:
These behaviors are your child's way of communicating that they need extra reassurance. In our Growing Steps program, our dedicated educators provide consistent routines and nurturing care that help infants feel safe, even when home life is changing.
Children in this age range are beginning to understand that changes are happening, but they lack the vocabulary and emotional regulation to process their feelings fully. Common responses include:
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that regression during stressful periods is completely normal and typically temporary. Your child isn't "going backward"—they're using familiar coping mechanisms while they adjust.
Older preschoolers have more language skills and may ask more direct questions. However, they still think in concrete terms and may misunderstand adult explanations. You might observe:
In our Pre-Kinder program, we support children's early childhood development by helping them name their emotions, practice problem-solving, and build resilience through play-based learning activities.
While these patterns are common, children develop at their own pace and respond to stress in unique ways. Some children are naturally more adaptable, while others need more time and support. Cultural backgrounds also influence how families discuss and process change. In our multicultural environment at Runningbrook, we celebrate these differences and work with each family to honor their values while supporting their child.
Effective co-parenting during transitions doesn't require perfection—it requires intention, communication, and a shared focus on your child's needs. Here are five practical strategies you can start implementing today.
Young children thrive on predictability. When life feels uncertain, consistent routines become anchors of security. If you're co-parenting in separate households, work together to maintain similar:
This doesn't mean everything must be identical—children are remarkably adaptable and can learn that "at Mommy's house, we do it this way" and "at Daddy's house, we do it that way." What matters most is that expectations are clear and that both parents communicate respect for each other's household.
Consider creating a simple visual schedule your child can reference, with pictures representing different activities. This gives children a sense of control and helps them anticipate what comes next.
Children deserve honest, simple explanations about changes that affect them. However, they don't need adult-level details. Here's how to tailor your communication:
For toddlers: Use simple sentences and repeat often. "Mommy and Daddy are going to live in different houses. We both love you so much. You'll have two bedrooms!"
For preschoolers: Answer questions honestly but briefly. If they ask "Why?" multiple times, it's okay to say, "This is what's best for our family. Your job is to be a kid and have fun. The grown-ups will take care of the rest."
For pre-kindergarteners: Validate their feelings and invite conversation. "It's okay to feel sad and happy at the same time. Many children have feelings like that when things change. I'm always here to talk when you want to."
Avoid putting children in the middle by asking them to carry messages between parents, report on the other parent's activities, or choose sides. These situations create tremendous stress for young children.
Even when co-parents disagree—and disagreement is normal—presenting a united front to your child creates security. This means:
If communication between co-parents is challenging, consider using tools like shared calendars, co-parenting apps, or brief written updates. Sometimes email or text communication works better than phone calls because it allows time to respond thoughtfully.
The actual moment of transitioning between homes or situations can be the most emotionally charged. Creating special rituals can help:
These rituals acknowledge that transitions involve real feelings while also demonstrating that love remains constant, no matter the physical location.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Co-parenting during major transitions is emotionally and physically demanding. Prioritize:
When parents manage their own stress effectively, children feel safer. Your calm presence is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child during uncertain times.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we understand that families don't exist in a vacuum. Life happens—and when it does, we're here to help. Our approach includes:
Consistent, nurturing care: With small group sizes and dedicated educators in every program—from Growing Steps through Pre-Kinder—your child has stable relationships outside the home that support their emotional development.
Open communication with families: We partner with parents to understand what's happening at home so we can provide appropriate support at school. Your child's educators are always available to share observations and strategies.
Play-based emotional learning: Through our play-based learning philosophy, children naturally work through big feelings. Whether they're playing "house" in dramatic play, creating art, or building with blocks, children process their experiences through play.
A multicultural community: Many of our families have navigated international moves, changing family structures, and cross-cultural transitions. Our bilingual education environment celebrates diversity and builds adaptability skills that serve children throughout their lives.
Major transitions are challenging, but they're also opportunities for growth—for both you and your child. When co-parents work together with patience, consistency, and love, children learn that change doesn't mean chaos. They discover that they are deeply loved, that their feelings matter, and that they can adapt to new situations with the support of the important adults in their lives.
You are the expert on your own child. You know their quirks, their fears, their favorite ways to be comforted. Trust that knowledge. Be patient with yourself and with your child. Celebrate progress, however small, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
At Runningbrook, we're honored to walk alongside families through all of life's chapters. If you're navigating a transition and would like to talk about how we can support your child, we're always here to listen.
Your child's journey is unique, and so is your family. With love, communication, and a child-centered approach, you can help your little one not just survive transitions—but thrive through them.