DEEDEE: Hi. How are you? I'm Deedee. I'm here to talk about changing schools and what that could mean for you and your young people.

Changing schools can be a hard time for some young people. There can be a lot of feelings surrounding times of change and uncertainty. Change can be really hard for some people. Some of us like change. It can be fun, exciting, and feel like an opportunity.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

But some of us don't like change. Change can be scary.

[THUNDER BOOMING]

We have to face new people and new environments. We may have to face some things about ourselves that need changing. Transitioning schools can be frightening and overwhelming. And sometimes, young people will try not to think about it.

[OWL HOOTING]

Fear of the unknown is completely normal. It's OK for your child and for you to be worried during this time. For you, not knowing what your young people are worrying about can cause anxiety.

[LEAVES RUSTLING]

Anxiety and stress are completely normal reactions for young people and parents. We are making these videos to help you feel less worried.

Talk to your child about change and uncertainty. People will share common feelings at this time, even if people don't talk about it. Your child will look to you for advice. If you are scared, they will be scared too. Talk to your child about how they're feeling at this time.

Transitions are even harder for young people who may be living with other uncertainties all around them. While there are some things that may feel hard right now, there are also many reasons to be hopeful.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

It's OK to grieve the past. You may think about how things used to be or feel sad that your child is growing up. But after you grieve, you can focus on the future.

The world has changed a lot for all of us. It will keep changing. Learning how to cope with change and uncertainty as well as learning how to manage and influence the change is an important skill for all of us. Transition is a reason for optimism. It is the next stage in your child's life.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

We hope you can enjoy thinking about all the great possibilities that this transition will bring.

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[OWL HOOTING]