The end of the school year is approaching, and with it comes a wave of transitions.
Some are exciting.
Some are bittersweet.
Most are a mix of both.
New schools. New grades. Summer camps. Changing routines. Different expectations. For some families, shifts in custody schedules.
And even when these changes are positive, they can still feel hard.
As a clinician that works with children and families, I see this cycle happen every year. Anxiety doesn’t just show up when something is wrong. Anxiety tends to show up when something is changing.
As a parent, I’m feeling it too.
My oldest daughter is leaving the amazing school we’ve called home for the last 10 years and heading to high school. At the same time, we’re transitioning into our summer custody schedule, which means a different rhythm for our family, for her, and for her younger sister.
There’s excitement. There’s pride. And there’s also discomfort, uncertainty, and a quiet sense of loss.
Having all of these feelings at once is completely normal, albeit overwhelming.
Why Transitions Feel So Hard
Transitions disrupt predictability. Even when kids want the change, their brains are asking:
“What will this be like?”
“Will I be okay?”
“What if something goes wrong?”
This is called anticipatory anxiety—and it often shows up before the transition even happens.
You might notice:
😠 More irritability
💞 Clinginess
🚫 Resistance or avoidance
🗣️ Big (loud) emotions over small things
This doesn’t mean your child is struggling more than they should. It means they are trying to make sense of something new.
How It Shows Up at Different Ages
Transitions don’t look the same across development:
Younger kidsmay become more clingy, have trouble with separation, or regress in small ways
Middle schoolers often show anxiety through irritability, resistance, or social worry
Teens may withdraw, overthink, or try to control details to manage uncertainty
We feel them as parents, too:
Letting go of routines
Watching our kids grow up
Navigating co-parenting changes
Managing our own uncertainty about what’s ahead
Often our instinct is to tighten control—to plan more, say more, fix more.
What Actually Helps During Transitions
When a child is struggling with change, it’s natural to want to make it easier.
We have to keep in mind though, that the goal isn’t to remove discomfort entirely. It’s to help our kidsmove through it.
A few shifts that make a meaningful difference:
Name the transition clearly “This is a big change. It makes sense that it feels different.”
Normalize mixed feelings Kids can feel excited and nervous at the same time.
Focus on coping, not certainty Instead of answering every “what if,” emphasize: “We’ll figure it out when we get there.”
Preview, but don’t over prepare Give enough information to reduce uncertainty without overwhelming them.
Encourage small steps toward the change Visiting a new campus, meeting a peer, trying a short camp day—these build confidence.
Confidence comes from learning you can tolerate discomfort even when situations don't go as planned.
A Note for Divorced or Co-Parenting Families
Transitions can feel especially significant in families navigating multiple homes.
Summer schedule changes, shifts in routines, and time away from one parent can bring up big emotions (for children and for parents).
A few things that can help:
Keep communication clear and predictable
Acknowledge and validate the difficulty without trying to “fix” it
Avoid putting children in the middle of adult emotions
Maintain consistency where possible, even across homes
It’s okay for this to feel hard. Stability and feelings of safety don’t come from eliminating change or difficulty, but from how transitions are handled.
Here's a Simple Reframe:
When your child is struggling with transition,
it doesn't mean something is wrong.
It means something is changing.
And change is where growth happens.
Check Out Our Resources Page
If your family is navigating anxiety, transitions, or uncertainty, our Resources Page includes practical tools and guides grounded in CBT and evidence-based care.
Spots are limited! To inquire or reserve your spot contact Kim or Lindsey at info@houstonanxiety.com.
Practice Updates
WE'RE HIRING!
We're looking for a Fully Licensed Psychologist Specializing in Eating Disorders and/or OCD
This role is ideal for a clinician trained in evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ERP, and family-based treatment, who is excited to be part of a collaborative, growing practice.
👉 To learn more or apply, please visit our website or reach out directly at
Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center is excited to sponsor the Understanding OCD Community Eventon May 1, 2026 in the Woodlands, Texas! We will be there with goodies and toconnect with local mental health providers, families, clinicians, and educators. We can’t wait to connect with you! Register for the event HERE!
In The Community
Living in An Anxious World: Nick Finnegan Counseling Center Panel Discussion | April
Last week, Dr. Ruths participated in a panel discussion, Living in an Anxious World, hosted by the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center. The conversation brought together mental health professionals from across disciplines to discuss how anxiety is showing up in today’s world for children, teens, and adults, and what actually helps.
Topics ranged from the role of uncertainty and control, to how anxiety can show up in subtle ways like avoidance, perfectionism, and irritability, to the importance of building skills rather than trying to eliminate anxiety altogether.
Opportunities like this allow clinicians to share research-based information in a way that is accessible and relevant to everyday life. They also help reduce stigma and make it easier for individuals and families to understand when and how to seek support. We are grateful to collaborate with colleagues and continue contributing to the Houston community. Watch the replay of the entire panel HERE.
If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, you must email our clinic coordinators at info@houstonanxiety.com or call the clinic at 832-205-8120 to cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours before your appointment timeor you will be charged the full fee of your intake or therapy session.
