Coping With Changes

Changes To Our Routine

Many people like their day to follow a predictable pattern or routine. This makes them feel safe knowing that there will not be any unpleasant surprises. It is OK to like the same routine.

Unfortunately sometimes there are changes to our routine. These can make us feel anxious because we are not sure what we need to do. It is OK to feel a bit anxious when things change.

When things change there are things we can do to feel better:

We can try to accept the change, we might like it

We can use a calming strategy, like breathing slowly

We can tell someone we feel uncomfortable

We can remember that we have coped with changes before

Changes to our routine can make us uncomfortable but we will be OK.

 

My Day Is Different

I like it best when everything in my day is like it normally is. I often don't like it when my day is different.

My day can change for lots of reasons. When something changes I can sometimes feel anxious. I might want things to go back to the way they were. I know that usually this can not happen.

When my day changes I can try to stay calm and be OK about it. I can help myself by:

trying not to worry

doing a calming activity

asking for extra help if I need it

telling an adult if I feel unhappy

thinking about other times when I coped when my day was different

Changes to my day can make me feel uncomfortable. I can try to stay calm and I will be OK.

Today Is Different

Sometimes a day is different from my normal day.

I like it best when my day is full of the usual stuff. When things change it can make me feel a bit wobbly. When this happens I need to do my best to stay okay. Things that can help me:

I can try not to worry too much and think about something else

I can do a calming activity like drawing or a puzzle

I can ask a grown-up for a little help

I can remember times when things changed and I was okay.

Now and again there are days that are different. I can try to stay okay about the things that are different. I can remember that I will be okay.

 

Tomorrow Will Be Different

Tomorrow things will be a little different from my normal day.

Tomorrow we are doing something different. This means that the things that I normally do tomorrow might change. A lot of things will be the same but some things will be different.

Tomorrow I am going to be brave and try not to worry about anything that is different. I can remember that, sometimes, it can be fun to try new things!

Tomorrow I am going to be okay. There will be grown-ups who can help me. I can ask them to help me if I feel worried about anything. I can also do a calming activity if I need to keep myself feeling okay.

Tomorrow will be different. If I feel a little worried I can ask for help. I will be okay.