Transition

Transition

A transition is a change from one state or activity to another. Transitions occur when children stop one activity and begin another. Some examples include:

• A child getting ready to leave the house.
• Putting toys away before bed.
• Turning off the television or computer to start studying.
• Getting ready for a shower.

Children experience several transitions throughout the day. These changes can be challenging, especially if a child is deeply engaged in their current activity and does not want to stop.

Tips for Planning Transitions

1. Establish predictable family routines.
   Predictable routines help children adjust to daily transitions more easily. If they know what to expect, they are more likely to accept the change.
2. Give a heads-up about upcoming activities.
   Before starting the day or leaving the house, let your child know what will happen. Being informed in advance helps set realistic expectations, especially for older children.
3. Use a family calendar.
   A calendar that outlines daily activities is helpful for children, especially if it includes pictures for younger children. This helps them anticipate transitions and changes throughout the day.
4. Choose the right time for transitions.
   Timing matters when transitioning from one activity to another. It’s best to select a natural break in your child’s activity. For example, if your child is working on a puzzle, wait until they finish before calling them for lunch.
5. Give a warning before a transition.
   Provide a warning that a change is coming, such as saying, “You have five more minutes to play before we need to leave.”
6. Allow time for difficult transitions.
   If a transition is particularly challenging, give your child a longer break between activities to help them adjust.
7. Offer limited choices when possible.
   While children cannot always have a choice, giving them options can help. For example, you might say, “Would you like to drive your toy car inside or bring a toy with you?” Limiting choices is important. For instance, let them choose between two shirts rather than offering too many options. Avoid asking questions like, “Do you want to put the toy away?” when there isn’t actually a choice—simply say, “Put the toy away.”
8. Make transitions creative and fun.
   Instead of simply telling your child to walk to the car, make it playful by saying, “Can you hop on one leg to the car?”
9. Use positive language and encourage cooperation.
   Promote teamwork and a positive attitude by showing how good it feels to work together during transitions.