Transitional Tactics for kids

Transitions are HARD.

Transitioning. You’ve been there; transitioning to a new job or career, moving homes, or changing family dynamic. It’s disjointed, unsettling, scary. It can feel like the rug is ripped out from under you and your scrambling to find some sold ground. What a whirlwind!

A thought; what if it feels like that each time your child transitions from day-to-day activities? Wow, that’s a lot. You’ve worked hard; you set your child up for success. And yet, it still feels like transitions upturn your world.

First, prompts and visuals are so helpful. Give your child a clear expectation ahead of time (15 minute prompt, 10 minute prompt, 5 minute prompt). If applicable, provide them with visuals of where they’re going and what to expect.

If your child has a hard time with transitions, it’s helpful to use both language and sensory experience to facilitate the shift. Once you prepare your child for a change, it can be helpful to give their body a way to regulate during the change. This might mean paying attention to their five senses.

Here’s a practical tip: As you walk toward the bathroom to brush teeth before bed, you play a game of I-Spy, or ask your child to notice 3 green items. Maybe you hum or clap a tune and see if they can repeat it, then switch roles!

Another great way to get the body moving is to come up with some fun and active ways to move from one place to another- for example, “Let’s see how many BIG steps you can take to get to the dinner table”, “I wonder if you can do jumping jacks while you put on your jacket!”, or “Show me your best twirl or Fortnight dance as you make your way to the car”.

Last; name it to tame it. When emotions get big— NAME THEM. The soccer game feels intense? Name it (“wow this it a lot, it’s feeling intense to me”). The birthday party feels overwhelming? Name it (“It’s overwhelming when there is so much noise and so many people”). The car ride to the dentist feels scary? Name it (It can feel scary going to the dentist"”). As parents, it is OK to name feelings, even if they are yours. What’s better is to add some coping and regulation to it: add a deep breath, a tight squeeze, a chant or song. This teaches your child that feelings during transition are normal, and we can move through them together.