Transition Support Programs
Helping Children Feel Safe When Everything Else Is Changing
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we know that change—even good change—can feel overwhelming for a child. Starting school, moving to a new home, welcoming a sibling, or adjusting after a family shift can stir up anxiety, behavior changes, or emotional withdrawal.
Our psychologists offer gentle, practical guidance to help children adapt to life’s transitions with resilience and calm. We support families throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.
What Is a Transition Support Program?
It’s specialized emotional and behavioral support during:
- Starting nursery, school, or shifting grade levels
- Moving cities, countries, or schools
- Family changes (divorce, remarriage, new siblings)
- Loss or separation from caregivers
- Hospitalizations or long-term health changes
Even when these changes are expected or positive, they can still disrupt a child’s sense of control and safety. We help them feel grounded again.
When Might Your Child Need Support?
Consider this service if your child:
- Becomes anxious, clingy, or tearful around new routines
- Shows sleep changes or appetite issues during transitions
- Acts out or regresses (bedwetting, tantrums, mood swings)
- Avoids school or refuses to separate from caregivers
- Struggles to adapt to new people or environments
- Has experienced a major life shift and isn’t coping as expected
We help children regain a sense of stability, emotionally and behaviorally.
How We Help Children Through Change
Our process includes:
- Parent Intake Session: We understand the transition, your child’s past reactions, and your concerns.
- Emotional Readiness Assessment: We observe your child’s behavior, anxiety levels, and coping style.
- Age-Appropriate Tools and Support: This may include play therapy, drawing, storytelling, or structured conversation.
- Coping Skills Building: We teach ways to handle big feelings, say goodbye, and enter new spaces confidently.
- Parental Guidance and Reassurance Strategies: We support you in preparing, responding, and holding space for your child’s adjustment.
We can’t prevent every change, but we can help children feel safer moving through it.
Why Families Trust KidsHeart
- Specialists in early childhood and school-age emotional development
- Gentle, child-paced support for expected and unexpected transitions
- Respect for cultural, family, and personality differences
- Real-world strategies — not just theories
- Clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain
Because big feelings deserve small steps — and children adjust best with patient, clear support.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
No Doctors found! with ID: 12483
Change Is Inevitable. Distress Doesn’t Have to Be
We provide a full assessment profile for all psychological, mental, and behavioral disorders, with clinical reports and intervention programs, for all developmental phases.
If your child is struggling with a life transition, we’re here to help them adjust with confidence — and to help you feel less alone in guiding them through it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is — but when it causes distress or behavior shifts, support helps children cope more positively.
Yes. Many of our programs are built around easing school anxiety and separation issues.
Sometimes. But for bigger changes, we may suggest 3–5 focused sessions.
Typically ages 2–12, though older children facing major transitions can benefit too.
Yes — early preparation often makes a big difference in how children adapt.