New situations

First day, unfamiliar places, trying new things

The birthday party they begged to attend, then refused to walk into. The activity they were excited about until it was time to actually go. New situations ask kids to tolerate uncertainty - and some kids find that almost unbearable.

What to Know

New situations ask kids to tolerate uncertainty — and some kids find uncertainty almost unbearable. The birthday party they begged to attend, then refused to enter. The activity they were excited about until it was time to actually go. This isn't manipulation or defiance. It's anxiety overriding desire.

When kids don't know what to expect, their brains fill in the gaps with worry. What if I don't know anyone? What if I do it wrong? What if I hate it and can't leave? These questions feel urgent and unanswerable, which makes avoidance feel like the only option.

The pattern to watch for: anticipatory anxiety that peaks right before the new thing, followed by quick adjustment once they're actually there. If your child consistently does fine once they get started, the problem isn't the activity — it's the transition into it.

Signs to Watch

•Gets excited about new things, then refuses to go
•Asks excessive questions about what will happen
•Needs detailed previews and reassurance beforehand
•Has physical symptoms (stomach ache, headache) before new events
•Clings or cries at the start, then adjusts quickly
•Avoids trying new things even when interested

Stories

Theo Gets a Helper Helmet

A preparation story for babies and toddlers about to start wearing a cranial helmet.

We Were All New Once

The new kid stood alone at the edge of the playground. Gabby remembered that feeling. So she walked over and said hi. Because she remembered how much the waiting hurt.

For Zara, From Zara

Zara writes a letter to her future self. 'I know things are hard. But I've been through hard before, and I made it. You will too.'

The Girl Who Went First

Someone had to go first—into the pool, down the slide, into the dark cabin. Rosa was scared, but she went anyway. And then everyone else felt brave enough to follow.

One Brave Thing

Logan doesn't feel brave. But today he does one brave thing—says hi to the new kid. Just one. And that's enough for today.

The Kid With the Reputation

Everyone knew Jordan was trouble. But nobody knew why. When his new teacher asked—really asked—Jordan told her about the move, the divorce, the too-many-changes. Understanding changed everything.

I'm Not Scared of Anything (Until I Was)

Jordan bragged about being brave. Nothing scared him—until he took the wrong path and suddenly everything did. His little sister found him. 'Even brave people get lost sometimes,' she said.

The Fizzy Feeling

Sometimes a fizzy feeling shows up in Charlie's chest. It bubbles and pops. It's called anxiety—and it's trying to protect him. Charlie learns to say 'thank you' and then 'I've got this.'

What If I Can't Find the Bathroom?

Leo had one big worry about school: what if he couldn't find the bathroom in time? His teacher showed him on the first day. One worry down, a hundred more to go—but now he knew: he could ask.

The Worry Before the Show

The night before her recital, a worry appeared on Ava's shoulder. By morning, it was huge. When she told her mom, the worry got smaller—small enough to carry on stage.

The Bear Who Stayed in the Cave

Bea the bear loved her cave. Outside was too bright, too loud, too much. But when she takes one tiny step—just to the entrance—she realizes outside was waiting for her all along.

Why Do We Have to Take the Bus?

CJ wanted a car like everyone else. The bus was embarrassing. But Grandma showed him what he was missing: the guitar player, the kind driver, the city out the window.