Tough Transitions Tips for Littles

Do your little kids ever have a tough time with transitions? Is switching gears from playtime to cleanup difficult? Everyone has trouble with transitions now and again, adults included. Most families with young children deal with transition trouble often.

Try these techniques for specific situations transition more easily. Helping your child cooperate and shift more easily from one situation or activity to the next will help with smoother transitions when your child is at school, church, camp, etc.

The most important strategy is to have clearly stated expectations. For example, before leaving home to go to Grandma’s house for lunch, explain what you expect your child to do when it’s time to go home. “When it’s time to leave Grandma’s house today, I expect you to thank Grandma for lunch, put your coat on, and leave nicely with me.” Explain that nicely is with a smile.  State your expectations in positive language and in short sentences. Have the child repeat the directives. Praise your child when the expectations are met.

Quick Tips for Transition Trouble

SHOPPING
Keep the child’s meal and nap schedule in mind before trips to the store. Hangry, tired kids are not good shoppers.

PLAYTIME
Use a timer. When the timer goes off, the activity is done.

CLEANUP
Work alongside your child to train and encourage.

NEW BABY
Have a basket of novel books and small toys for the child to play with only during diapering and feedings for the new sibling.

HOUSEGUESTS
Keep the bedtime routine in place. Get your child involved in preparations for family or friends to stay.

NEW PET
Allow your child to be responsible, with supervision, for taking care of the new pet.

PARENT TRAVELING
Create a calendar for the child to keep track of the days until the parent comes home. FaceTime or Zoom daily, if possible.

© 2022 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

If this post is encouraging, please take a moment to subscribe to the Faith First Parent e-newsletter or share the post with a friend.