Tricky Transitions
Transitions can be tricky for little ones and even though they may not be able to tell us with words, they do show us through their behaviour. Starting daycare or preschool, a new teacher in the classroom, a parent going back to work, moving to a new home or the arrival of a new baby are some bigger life transitions that can provoke unwanted behaviour.
Prolonged tantrums, aggressive behaviour, property destruction and withdrawal in young children can all be signs of a little one having a difficult time with a transition. But even smaller life transitions like leaving the park, having a bath or getting ready for bed can create those unwanted behaviour responses.
Knowing that transitions often are a hot spot for young children can be helpful in supporting our children during these inevitable parts of life. Check out this article from the National Association for the Education of Young Children for an in-depth look at transitions; but to get you started, here are a couple strategies to support your little ones through life’s transitions:
- Plan ahead — having a few small toys in your bag can be helpful when waiting in line or driving to the next destination
- Have the next thing ready — before switching to the next thing have everything ready (bath is bubbly and ready to climb in)
- Visual Cues — having a picture of a coat and shoes at the front door
- Turning transition times into a game — make it fun! “let’s gallop to the bathroom and wash our hands” or “ would you like a piggy back ride to the car?”
