Smoothing Out Transitions

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

As any parent knows, times of transition can be the most difficult time for children. This tends to be when toddlers throw tantrums, preschoolers have meltdowns, and older kids get stressed or anxious. Improving a child's behavior can often be accomplished just by paying attention and smoothing out some of those bumpy transitions.

Planning and preparation can smooth out many transitional times. If you know, for example, that your child gets crabby and has a tendency to throw fits and tantrums on the way to school in the morning or when it's time to wind down and get ready for bed-this knowledge can help you to come up with ways to prepare and plan for that transition time. Coming up with ways to mark the transition or "ease into it" might be helpful. Making sure to allow plenty of time is another ancient parental ploy. Often, when we are running late or there is a feeling of rushing or panic, our children respond by balking and getting upset. If we can coordinate and manage our own time, we might be able to make the transition sooner.

Some children respond well to talking things through in advance. Reminding a child of the "steps" it takes to get ready and out the door in the morning can help him to organize the process in his mind and feel more in control. Charts and lists can work well for some kids too. Having a list of what is done after coming home from school (snack, changing clothes, doing homework, playing on the computer, going to soccer practice, etc.) can give some kids a sense of calm and organization where there was once a rocky transition.

Of course, how you handle and smooth out your transitions will also depend on the temperament of your child. Some kids respond well to a quicker transition-getting quickly from one thing to another-and get crabby when things are drug out too long--while others need that extra time and plenty of cushion. Paying attention to your child and your family's needs will help guide you in how to make your transition times smoother and less traumatic.

See Also: Creating a Positive Home Environment and Focusing on Problems or Solutions

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