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End of the School Year for BH22 and BH23 – Why Transitions Can Feel Bigger Than We Expect- The Perspective of a Counsellor in Dorset

  • jamesrolph
  • Jul 19
  • 2 min read

Goodbyes to schools, teachers, friends, routines and even a stage of your child's life you won't see again.
Goodbyes to schools, teachers, friends, routines and even a stage of your child's life you won't see again.

As schools in West Moors, Ferndown, Christchurch and across BH22 and BH23 prepare to close their doors for the summer, many families are feeling the emotional weight of change. Whether your child is leaving nursery, starting Reception, moving to a new year group, or preparing to attend a new school entirely, the end of the school year often brings a mixture of pride, sadness, uncertainty and feelings of being overwhelmed.

These changes can be particularly emotional for parents and caregivers. The excitement of watching your child grow is often accompanied by a quiet sense of loss – the goodbye to a routine, to familiar teachers, maybe even friends that will be going to different schools and to a stage of life that won’t come again. As a local counsellor supporting families in the BH22 and BH23 areas, I see first-hand how deeply these transitions can affect both children and adults.


Change Is a Normal Part of Life – But It Can Still Feel Difficult- Counsellor working in West Moors near Ferndown and Christchurch.

Even happy transitions can stir up anxiety. For young children, the move from playschool or nursery to a structured school setting can feel overwhelming which can naturally add stress to family life. They may not know how to express their feelings, but their behaviour might shift – showing clinginess, tearfulness, or even unexpected outbursts.

For parents, it’s not just about their child’s adjustment. These moments can trigger reflections on our own roles, identities and the passage of time. That quiet walk home after the final drop-off can feel heavier than expected or the previously enjoyable walk to school can fill you with dread.

In families already coping with other life transitions – such as divorce, bereavement, or children being at home over the summer while trying to work – these feelings can be even more intense. When emotional demands increase while your support system (like school or childcare) disappears temporarily, stress can build quickly.


Counselling Support in West Moors, Ferndown and Christchurch

If you’re in West Moors, Ferndown, Christchurch or nearby BH22 and BH23 and you're finding this transition unexpectedly emotional or stressful, please know you’re not alone. Speaking with a counsellor can help you process what you’re feeling, understand your emotional responses and give you the space to navigate change with more self-compassion.

Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for September, someone adjusting to a quieter home during the holidays, or simply managing the weight of transitions – it’s okay to need support. Life doesn’t always give us the chance to slow down, but counselling offers that space.


A Moment to Pause


As summer begins and new routines take shape, give yourself permission to pause. Change isn’t always easy.. even the good kind. But it can be a chance to grow, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19tf4Z2aYz/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/p/DMPb9EaMt13/?igsh=NjN2YTV0dmIyeWk2

 
 
 

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