When plans change, like not being able to go to the park because of rain, my child cries for a long time and can't switch gears. How should I tell them about changes?

When a plan they were looking forward to suddenly disappears, their feelings may not switch right away even if they understand why. Acknowledge it first with "you wanted to go to the park, didn't you," and use pictures or short words to show the new flow, "rain → park is off → OO at home." Keep alternatives to two at most and let your child choose. Rather than piling on explanations to calm them, secure a quiet place and time, and check the next plan once they've settled.