5.2. Evaluate the effect on children and young people of having positive relationships during periods of transition

This guide will help you answer 5.2. Evaluate the effect on children and young people of having positive relationships during periods of transition.

Positive relationships offer essential support to children and young people going through transitions. Transitions are significant changes in a child or young person’s life which may involve emotional, social, or physical adjustments. These include starting school, moving home, the arrival of a sibling, bereavement, divorce, or even puberty. Each transition can bring uncertainty, stress, or fear. Positive relationships during these times can help children feel supported, giving them the tools and confidence to adjust.

This guide explores why positive relationships are so beneficial, the potential risks of lacking these, and how practitioners can encourage these relationships to support children through transitions.

What Are Transitions and Why Do They Matter?

A transition is any kind of change that disrupts a child or young person’s routine, environment, or emotional state. Whether the change is expected or unexpected, children often struggle to adapt. For example, an expected transition could be starting primary school, while an unexpected one might involve the sudden loss of a loved one.

These changes are a normal part of life. However, for children and young people, transitions often feel overwhelming due to their limited coping mechanisms and understanding of life events. They lack the experience that most adults use to process and adapt to change.

How Positive Relationships Help During Transitions

Positive relationships help children develop emotional resilience. Resilience is the ability to recover and thrive despite adversity. During times of change, knowing that someone cares about them provides both emotional and practical support.

Here are some specific benefits:

1. Emotional Security
   A positive relationship helps a child feel safe. When everything in their life feels uncertain, a caring adult or peer reminds them they are not alone. This reduces stress and anxiety, which can otherwise harm their mental and physical health.
2. Promoting Self-Esteem and Confidence
   Children with strong, supportive relationships tend to have better self-esteem. When they feel valued, they are more likely to face challenges confidently. For example, having a supportive teacher might encourage a nervous child to engage during their first week of school.
3. Encouraging Communication
   A good relationship fosters open communication, making children feel they can express concerns or ask for help. During transitions, this outlet can prevent emotions from building up and escalating into bigger issues.
4. Building Problem-Solving Skills
   Supportive relationships guide children through change by showing them how to tackle problems. For instance, helping a child process emotions after their parents separate helps them learn to manage feelings of sadness or anger in the future.
5. Developing Social Skills
   Transitions often involve entering new social settings, such as when moving to a new school or community. Positive relationships teach children how to build trust and connect with others, helping them form new friendships.

Potential Risks of Lacking Positive Relationships

Children without access to positive relationships during key transitions are more vulnerable. Lack of support during challenging periods can lead to feelings of isolation, anger, or even despair. This may negatively affect their emotional development and long-term outcomes.

Some risks linked to the absence of positive relationships include:

• Mental Health Issues
  Unsupported children may develop anxiety, depression, or behavioural problems. For instance, a child dealing with bereavement alone might struggle with prolonged sadness, which could disrupt their ability to focus or socialise.
• Academic Challenges
  Transitions like moving schools can deeply affect learning. A child without encouragement or guidance might feel overwhelmed, leading to disengagement from schoolwork.
• Problems Forming Relationships in Adulthood
  A lack of positive role models makes it harder for children to form healthy relationships later in life. They may struggle to trust or communicate effectively with peers, partners, or colleagues.

Encouraging Positive Relationships in Practice

Adults working with children and young people play a vital role in creating or supporting these relationships. The following approaches can help make a difference:

1. Building a Strong, Trusting Relationship
   A trustworthy adult provides reassurance and stability. Speak calmly to children, listen attentively, and respect their feelings. For instance, in a nursery setting, a key worker can offer consistent support to ease the stress of separating from parents.
2. Encouraging Peer Support
   Children and young people often feel comforted by those their own age. Facilitating group activities in schools, clubs, or after-school programmes allows children to form bonds with others undergoing similar experiences.
3. Working with Families
   Families are at the heart of most children’s lives. Helping parents or carers understand and support their children during times of change is invaluable. For example, offering parenting workshops or sharing advice can strengthen family relationships.
4. Providing Clear and Honest Information
   Children often interpret change as something to fear. Adults can reduce anxiety by giving them age-appropriate explanations about what’s happening and what to expect. This makes transitions, like starting school or moving house, easier to process.
5. Using Key Transitions to Teach Coping Skills
   Use transitions as teaching moments to help children build resilience. For example, helping a child write down their feelings about moving to a new school gives them the tools to articulate emotions when faced with challenges later in life.

Real-Life Examples Where Positive Relationships Make a Difference

Example 1: Starting Secondary School

For many young people, moving to secondary school is a daunting experience. It involves adapting to a larger environment, meeting new teachers, and navigating a more intense workload. A positive relationship with a primary school teacher or family member can provide reassurance that these feelings are normal.

Encouraging friendships with classmates during the initial weeks of secondary school can also help. Peer friendships reduce loneliness and help children adjust to lunchtimes, find their classrooms, and engage in group tasks.

Example 2: Experiencing Bereavement

Losing a loved one is a difficult transition for any child. Without proper support, grief can leave lasting impacts on their development. A caring, supportive relationship with a family member, teacher, or counsellor allows the child to express feelings without fear of judgment.

Positive relationships can also provide stability in day-to-day life. For instance, their teacher might ensure the child feels comfortable in the classroom with small but meaningful efforts, such as checking in daily.

Positive Relationships Across Ages

Different age groups experience transitions differently. Understanding their developmental stage helps you adapt your support.

• Infants and Toddlers – Transitions like starting nursery or a parent returning to work can create separation anxiety. A strong bond with a key worker gives them a sense of security.
• Primary School Learners – Transitions such as making friends or adjusting to a new teacher can create nervousness. Positive relationships with adults and peers help with confidence.
• Teenagers – Moving schools or facing exams are common stressors. Good relationships with teachers, parents, or peers provide reassurance and help teenagers voice their worries.

Final Thoughts

Periods of transition are often challenging for children and young people. Positive relationships offer emotional, social, and practical support during these times. They create a sense of stability, teach vital coping skills, and strengthen children’s self-esteem. While the nature of the support depends on the individual and their circumstances, the impact of these relationships cannot be underestimated. By creating a safe space through trust and care, you can help children and young people overcome challenges and thrive.