Leaving the park, switching off a screen, getting into the car for school — many everyday difficulties happen not during an activity but in the moment of moving from one thing to the next. For some children these transitions are consistently hard.
Why Transitions Can Be Difficult
A transition asks a child to stop something they are engaged in, shift attention, and cope with not knowing exactly what comes next. Children who find change unpredictable, who become deeply absorbed in play, or who are sensitive to noise and movement may find this especially demanding.
- The next activity may feel less enjoyable than the current one.
- The change may come without warning.
- The child may not yet have the language to say what they feel.
Practical Strategies at Home
Give a warning before the change
A simple "five more minutes, then shoes on" gives time to prepare. For younger children, a visual timer can make time easier to understand than words alone.
Make the sequence visible
A short picture schedule — breakfast, clothes, shoes, car — shows what comes next and reduces uncertainty. Point to it rather than repeating instructions.
Use a "first, then" structure
"First bath, then story" links a less preferred step to something the child looks forward to.
Keep your language short and calm
During a difficult moment, fewer words work better. Acknowledge the feeling ("You wanted to keep playing") before restating the next step.
When to Seek Guidance
If transitions regularly lead to intense distress, last a long time, or are limiting your family's routines or your child's participation at school, a professional assessment can help identify what is making change hard and which strategies suit your child.