My kid was like this with (believe it or not) our washing machine. So we had a formal goodbye ceremony, to thank the machine for all it had done for us, and wishing it good luck before it went off on the recycling truck. It felt stupid but that ten minutes solved the problem.

Maybe its worth mentioning that your new car is safer and you are getting it to protect your family better? Something like that

I have one child who was a bit like this when we changed cars. She was really sad beforehand but honestly once we actually had the new car the old one was pretty much forgotten. Hopefully it’s the same for yours… atcthe same time a little present never hurts anyone!

Absolutely a gift could be the way to go. Talk up positives of the new car eg. She will be fine and take a photo of the old car so she can keep it if she wants it as a memory. Explaining good changes and positive talking

I love the idea of the gift for your daughter. It can be waiting on her seat. I bought a new car from a Car Yard and to our surprise they had added a Portable CD?DVD Player and they kids went crazy seeing this. It was a great idea and when we travelled long distances the kids were not too board as they had chosen their favourite DVD’s to watch. For Us, Mum and Dad Finding Nemo we car recite!

Focus on the positives a new car will bring and I guess a small gift in the car can’t hurt and will give her a positive feeling towards the new car.

Build the car up. Discuss any new mod cons it has. Tell how beautiful the colour is, how comfy the seats are, how quiet the engine is etc A present for her first trip can’t hurt

Maybe tell her plans you have of places to go in the new car, outings etc The old car can’t make it anymore so we have to update..

Have you had her assessed? Finding it hard to accept change like that could potentially mean that she is on the spectrum. I have one child with ADD and another with Aspergers. The one with Aspergers often does find change difficult. But the best way to move forward, in my opinion, is to be tough. Life is full of change and she is going to have to get used to it. It’s part of growing up. I would worry that appeasing her now, might lead to unrealistic expectations for the future. I’m sure once she sees how nice the new car is she will soon forget the old one.

I think I would be taking meedee’s advice if your daughter is having problems with change. Most children I have known are very excited about a new car, new clothes, school, etc. Good luck.

I remember when we had to get a new card simply because we were having twins. My oldest was beside herself in tears until we told her the car was hers! She really thought it was her car and was so excited to get the car.

Awww! This is so sweet! I Definitely understand the difficult position you are in and I too remember feeling sad saying goodbye to our family cars. I think it’s perfectly normal for her to feel this way and you are obviously a very caring and supportive parent so she will be fine. Reassure her that it’s okay to be sad. Maybe you can take her for a visit to see/sit in the new car and get her excited for it. Take a photo of the old car for her to keep or find something small to remember it by. Your daughter sounds like a very sweet little girl and it’s sad that she has to feel this way but with you there to support her and reassure her that it’s okay to be sad and that you are sad to say goodbye to it aswell she won’t be alone and she will be learning valuable ways to cope and go through change. I find having something to look forward to can help with change, perhaps she can look forward to a drive in the new car to somewhere special. Goodluck and enjoy your new car

Kids may not be able to handle the big emotions that can come with transitions. And they might learn that by stalling, they get to avoid the change for a bit longer. Transitions are often especially hard for kids with emotional or developmental issues. It can help to visualise the upcoming change.

Change can indeed be quite difficult for children and good books and stories on change can help with dealing with and managing change. Maybe look for books and stories in libraries and bookshops. Maybe a small toy car as token car to keep and enjoy and have as a special memory.

She must love your old car or is she like this with all changes? It’d be a good idea to sit down and talk about change as there will be plenty more changes to come in the future whilst growing up

Im interested in the “not liking change” aspect. Is she very stuck in her ways with everything. Likes everything in its place, same routine daily, same foods, doesnt like going to new places, etc? This might be somethign you want to start noting down in a diary and discuss it with your Doc next time you are there. I work with special needs children and this is something that is a strong part of the makeup of many children with Autisum. Obviously its not just one thing that defines it but it might be worth keeping an eye on.

Maybe you could do a good bye ritual; like washing the car, making pictures from your daughter in the car and then giving them a place in her room. You could do the same with the new car; wash it together, place some favourite / personal items in the car and welcome the car into your family. Mkae plans to what lovely places this car would bring you along.

Maybe you could have a little goodbye send off for your old car, and talk about all the adventures you’ll have in the new car. Let her express her emotions, comfort and try to explain the positives.