How do I help my daughter navigate the changes that are coming in her life?
Change can be really hard, especially when it involves relationships. For example, when a good friend is leaving, that friend may not be physically around anymore, but it doesn’t mean contact has to completely end. The relationship may look different, but appreciation and connection can still exist.
The same applies to changes with coaches or teams. A coach may move on, but a relationship can still be maintained in some way, while new relationships develop with new teammates or coaches.
When we experience change, the key concept is adaptation. Our ability to be flexible and adapt is a resiliency skill. Change is a long-term reality of life—we will always experience it in some form.
The question then becomes: how do we adapt? What are some things that could help you feel more comfortable or competent during this change? For example, continuing contact with a friend, checking in with a coach for advice, or developing new friendships with teammates or others.
Helping your child brainstorm options together can be very powerful. Ask questions like, “What are some things we could do in this situation that might help you?” This process reinforces that there isn’t just one solution—there are often multiple possible answers.
Most importantly, your child has you as a parent. While external relationships matter, the relationship they have with you may be one of the most important sources of support during times of change. That connection provides stability, reassurance, and a foundation for navigating transitions.
