Little Book of Managing Change for Young People Little Book of Managing Change for Young People

What is change?

Change is a normal part of life; sometimes it can be exciting and sometimes it can be challenging.

Add some of your own

New home

New friends

New school

Someone dies

Change in family

The power of the Not Yet Mindset – by Caroline Dweck

Self-Care

When experiencing change, we need to look after ourselves. Here are some ideas.

Emotions connected with change

Circle the ones you connect with:

  • Excitement
  • Guilt
  • Grief
  • Joy
  • Sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Anger
  • Worry

Embrace the adventure – you’ve got this!

Let’s go

Adventure

Adventure awaits

How to prepare for change

Look after yourself i.e. sleep, diet, exercise.

Don’t bottle up feelings.

Talk about how you feel.

Think about what you can control.

Ask for help if you need it.

Things to do to help you cope with change

Change can be opportunity to grow and learn. Here’s a checklist to help.

  • Create a plan
  • Problem solve
  • Celebrate success
  • Accept setbacks
  • Talk with friends
  • One step at a time
  • Do things you enjoy
  • Keep a regular routine

WRITE A PLAN TO HELP WITH CHANGE

Change your words, change your mind

Instead of - try this. 

I can't do it - I will keep trying.

Everyone is clever in different ways.

I'm afraid of making mistakes - Mistakes help me to learn. 

I won't give up.

I don't understand. 

Try this!

Fill in the blanks to show how changing your words can change your mind. Use the first one as a guide.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean

How to cut and fold.

Support systems

When change is tough, there are people in your life who you can talk to.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.” Barack Obama

Who is there for you?

“Hey, you matter to me!”

“I’ve got your back too!”

Support Services

Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness – People are eager to listen and offer support.

Whether it’s a friend, adult or a helpline, reach out.

When change happens without warning

Give yourself a minute

Take 5 deep, slow breaths.

Go for a walk to gather your thoughts.

Count back in 10s from 300.

Tense your fist and exhale as you release.

Use these 60 seconds to help you think more clearly.

How to cope with change

This video from Rise Above shows how you can cope with change in different ways to better yourself and those around you.