If there’s one constant in life, it’s change. As parents, we teach our kids to be flexible—when they don’t make the team, when friendships shift, when plans don’t go as expected. But what happens when we face unexpected change? How we respond teaches them just as much as the lessons we try to instill.
For over a decade, I was part of 95.5 The Fish, waking up early every morning to connect with listeners, share faith, and offer encouragement. It was more than just a job—it was a mission to lift people up. So when our radio station was sold recently and my time there ended, it was a big shift. But as I processed the change, I realized something important: I had to practice what I so often told my kids—when life throws you a curveball, don’t let it knock you down. Adjust your swing.
When life hands you lemons, you don’t just stand there holding them. You make something out of them. That’s exactly what we did. My co-host Len and I launched the Start Your Day Positive podcast, taking what we loved about our show and bringing it to a whole new space. It wasn’t what we originally planned, but sometimes, change opens doors we never expected.
Transitions—whether it’s a new school for your kids, a job shift, or an unexpected challenge—can be hard. But instead of seeing change as something to fear, what if we saw it as an opportunity? That’s what I wanted my kids to learn from this experience. Life doesn’t always go the way we expect, but how we respond is what truly matters.
So, how can we help our kids process big changes? Here are five simple ways to navigate these conversations:
Be Honest but Reassuring – Kids sense when something’s different. Be upfront about changes while assuring them that they are loved and supported.
Listen to Their Feelings – Give them space to express their worries, frustrations or excitement. Let them know their feelings are valid.
Focus on the Positives – Help them find the good in the change, whether it’s making new friends, learning something new, or discovering unexpected opportunities.
Lead by Example – Show them how to embrace change with a positive attitude. If you see an opportunity instead of an obstacle, they will too.
Encourage a Growth Mindset – Remind them that change often leads to brand new skills, resilience, and new opportunities. Help them see challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
Now, instead of looking back with disappointment, I look forward with excitement. I want my kids to see that setbacks aren’t the end of the story—they’re just the plot twists that make the journey interesting. Whether your family is facing a big move, a new job, or a shift in routine, remember: Change isn’t something to resist—it’s an opportunity to grow, adapt, and create something even better than before.
