Goodbyes, Growth, and Staying Connected: Supporting Children Through Graduation Transitions

As the school year winds down, many families at Nature's Lab are preparing for a big milestone: graduation. For our 4s and 5s, this often means moving on to kindergarten or transitional kindergarten (TK). It’s an exciting time—but also a tender one.

Lately, we've heard children asking heartfelt questions: "Can I still visit Nature's Lab? Will I see my friends again? What about the chickens and the garden?" These questions come from a deep place of connection. For many children, Nature's Lab is more than a school. It's a safe place, a second home, filled with familiar rhythms, caring adults, beloved friends, and curious outdoor adventures.

Graduation marks growth—but it also marks change. And change, even joyful change, can bring big feelings.

How Transitions Impact Emotions and Behavior

Young children experience time and change differently from adults. While we may be focused on future logistics or school paperwork, children are tuned into now: the hugs at morning drop-off, the snack table rituals, the feel of their favorite tree trunk. As they begin to understand that something is ending, they may express their emotions in unexpected ways.

You might notice:

• More clinginess at drop-off

• Bigger emotions at bedtime

• Repeating the same questions over and over

• Regressive behaviors (like wanting help with things they usually do independently)

These are all normal responses. Transitions ask a lot of a child’s nervous system. They are not only managing a shift in routine but also processing the feelings that come with saying goodbye.

Honoring Goodbyes Gently and Meaningfully

Children deserve a chance to say goodbye in ways that feel real and meaningful to them. Here are a few gentle, doable ideas:

• Create a "memory box" or journal with your child to collect drawings, photos, or nature treasures from their time at Nature's Lab.

• Plan a goodbye ritual. It could be as simple as a special snack and story under their favorite tree or a walk around the garden naming favorite places.

• Validate their feelings. "You love Nature's Lab. It's okay to feel sad about saying goodbye."

• Use conversation starters to help them reflect and process:

  • "What are you most proud of from this year?"

  • "What will you remember most?"

  • "Is there anything you'd like to tell your teachers or the animals before you go?"

Staying Connected to a Place They Love

We want children to know: Nature's Lab doesn't end when you graduate. This is a community, and you're always welcome here.

Families often ask if their child can come back to visit. The answer is a joyful yes. Whether it’s attending an event, stopping by to say hello, or just waving to a teacher on a walk, staying connected helps children feel a sense of continuity.

When possible, add future touchpoints to your child’s calendar:

• Mark upcoming Nature's Lab events you plan to attend.

• Let your child choose a friend to write a letter or draw a picture for after they move on.

• Remind them: "This isn’t the end of your connection—just the start of a new part of your journey."

A Gentle Goodbye, A Strong Foundation

Saying goodbye doesn’t mean forgetting. In fact, when children are supported in expressing their feelings and staying connected, they carry those relationships and memories with them as a source of strength.

So as graduation approaches, we invite you to slow down and make space for the emotions that arise—both theirs and yours. With love, patience, and a few grounding rituals, children can step into their next adventure feeling seen, supported, and deeply rooted.

A Tradition of Muchness

Each graduate at Nature’s Lab will receive a copy of Finding Muchness: How to Add More Life to Life by Kobi Yamada, a gentle, poetic story about courage, wonder, and staying connected to what makes you you. We invite families to make it even more special by turning it into a keepsake: invite teachers, friends, and loved ones to sign the book each year, adding memories, drawings, and reflections as your child grows. Over time, this simple book can become a cherished timeline of their journey—rooted in muchness, love, and community.

Want to start this tradition at home?

Purchase your own copy of Finding Muchness here and invite your child’s teachers to leave them a message each year. This beautiful book becomes even more meaningful with every page of memories added.

Reflection question for families: What goodbye ritual might feel meaningful for your child—and for you?

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