Transitions

Many parents find that they have a hard time getting their child to stop playing and do what the parent wants. Some examples of this are getting your child to go from playing to sitting down for a meal or starting a bath. Some of the hardest transitions include:

• Getting your child started for the day after he wakes up
• Getting your child dressed
• Sitting down for meals
• Getting your child into the car
• Starting bath time
• Getting your child into bed at nap or night

You can help your child to get through these transitions more smoothly. The following methods may decrease or end your struggles during these times:

• Children want to be in control. Give your child a chance to do it herself, if possible. Next time, she may get into her booster seat herself because she feels as if she has control.
• Prepare your child ahead of time so that she he will know what to expect. Let him know that you will be starting the bath next after he finishes his puzzle. Giving a 5 minute warning before a transition is a good habit to get into.
• Give your child extra time and slow down. When your child senses that she is being rushed, she may resist the change. It can then take you even more time to get her to the car.
• Give your child choices so that he feels as if he has more control of the situation. You can ask him if he wants to have one toy or another in the bath with him.
• Make the activity a game in order to get your child's interest. This can be both entertaining and a way to make your child look forward to the next event. For example, you can sing the clean up song before moving on to lunch.
• Daily routines make it easier for your child to anticipate what comes next. Stick to the same routines as much as possible. Your child will be happier and resist less when he knows what to expect.
• You can give rewards for a smooth transition. You can make a simple promise to read an extra story at bedtime because she got dressed quickly for bed.
• Avoid threats to your child including one such as, "Mommy will leave if you do not hurry up." You should also avoid punishments such as spanking. These will only make the transition more difficult the next time; your child might feel afraid, angry or test you because you really didn't carry out the threat.

Even if you feel hurried, remind yourself to slow down and have fun with transitions. This will make them go more smoothly. A few extra planned minutes during the transition will really make it go faster.