Stella Beckett: Staggering number of kids relocate to different schools - loss and grief underestimated

As the school year draws to a close, many children will experience one of the biggest emotional changes of their young lives, losing friends as classes are reshuffled, new schools begin or families move away. For some, it may also coincide with deeper losses, such as the passing of a grandparent or a beloved pet.
 

These transitions, while common, can cause real grief for children. They can feel sad, lonely or anxious, often unable to express the depth of their feelings. Gold Coast entrepreneur Stella Beckett, founder and CEO of Diary Dolls, says it's vital for parents to start having conversations with their children now to help them prepare emotionally for these changes.
 

Beckett said school is the biggest thing that happens to a child during their young life. Changes during this time can be traumatic and difficult for children and it is important to understand this and prepare and support children for these challenges.
 

"Every year, kids move into different classes, change schools or relocate to another state and for many, it feels like losing a part of their world," Beckett said.
 

"As adults, we see it as a normal part of life, but to a child, losing a friend or familiar environment can be heartbreaking. Now is the perfect time to start talking to them about change, loss and how to cope.
 

"Helping them now will assist to prepare them for what is ahead."
 

Turning emotion into expression
 

Beckett explained that while talking to children and being present is critical during times of loss and grief, there are other ways parents can help their children as well.
 

"Toys are an excellent form of support and therapy for children, but not just any toys, dolls are often ideal. This is one of the reasons why I developed Diary Dolls," Beckett said.
 

Beckett's Diary Dolls range has been designed to help children explore and express their feelings in a safe, nurturing way. The brand's much loved product, Journal Jasmine, pairs a soft, comforting plush doll with a guided daily journal to help girls write down their thoughts, understand their emotions and find moments of positivity amid change.
 

"When kids can cuddle something familiar while writing about their day, it gives them comfort and a sense of safety," Beckett explained.

"It helps them release emotions and start healing. Journal Jasmine becomes both a listener and a friend."
 

The guided prompts encourage girls to talk about their day, name their feelings and reflect on what they're grateful for, powerful tools that help them process grief, build resilience and adapt to change.
 

Beckett said that journaling doesn't have to include words, for younger kids it can involve drawing as well.
 

The Christmas gift that truly supports emotional wellbeing
 

This Christmas, Beckett hopes families will choose gifts that help children grow emotionally as well as creatively.
 

"Children today face more transitions than ever, moving schools, changing friend groups, coping with the loss of pets or loved ones," Beckett said.
 

"We can't always protect them from loss, but we can give them tools to navigate it. Journal Jasmine is one of those tools, a beautiful gift that offers comfort, reflection and emotional support."
 

By combining play with mindfulness, Diary Dolls are helping children build lifelong habits of self- awareness, gratitude, and emotional strength, one cuddle, one page and one conversation at a time.
 

About Diary Dolls
 

Diary Dolls is a purpose-led business creating unique toys and tools that blend play with personal development. Founded on the Gold Coast, the brand is steadily growing, with its core range already embraced by families and boutique retailers. The vision for Diary Dolls is to expand beyond its initial dolls into a wider range, including unisex designs, to ensure every child has access to playful tools that build emotional wellbeing.

Website: www.diarydolls.com

Instagram: @diarydolls_