Positive relationships are essential in enabling children to successfully negotiate (major) transitions in their lives. Some transitions are made easier simply by the fact that everyone is †̃in the same boatâ€TM as it were. For example, a common transition occurs when the whole class is leaving primary school. Children and young people will respond differently to transitions depending largely upon the relationships they have managed to form with their parents, teachers and other significant adults in their lives. A childâ€TMs own friends/peers can also help with a transition. For example, it may be a source of comfort if the child is moving to a new school with a friend or two rather than alone, thereby alleviating the (negative) thoughts …show more content…
According to the organisation Young Minds our first relationship as an infant helps to create the template by which we understand the world. The quality of this relationship helps to form the framework for our future beliefs and values. In his book, Attachment and Loss, Dr John Bowlby explains that children who have experienced a secure attachment: “Are more likely to express a representational model of attachment figure(s) as being available, responsive and helpful and a complimentary model of himself as .... a potentially lovable person.― This child is likely to “approach the world with confidence and, when faced with potentially alarming situations, is likely to tackle them effectively or seek help.―
Adults, especially parents and teachers, (as well as peers to some extent) can help make these major life transitions as easy as possible for the child or young person. Many fears can be alleviated simply by talking things through in a patient, sympathetic and understanding way. Preparing children as much as possible in advance before the event is also important. For example, it is common practice for children to spend a day visiting the secondary/grammar school they intend to go to which helps to make the transition less of an