Mastering Transitions with your Toddler
Helping your toddler transition from one activity or event to the next throughout their day can be a challenge. Toddlers are known for tantrums and disorganized behavior. Luckily, there are several things you can do to help them transition easier through their day.
Why are transitions so hard for toddlers?
Let's make it easier to explain by first looking at what a transition is.
Transitions are the change from one activity or event to another. You can define them as "the period or process of changing".
Now that we know what a transition is, let's look at why they are so hard for toddlers, shall we?
Toddlers are still learning how to navigate the world around them. They need time to adjust when things change, when they move or when their routine gets disrupted even by just a few minutes. It can take them anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes (or more) to adapt and calm down after something like that happens.
That's why it's important to gradually ease them into the change. Start noticing when there are transitions between activities, for example getting up from playtime, time for a nap, or meal times. Build up how long you keep them engaged in one activity before transitioning to another.
Create a Routine or Schedule
One thing many parents try is creating a routine or schedule each day so that their toddlers know when certain activities or events will be occurring. An example of this would be, eating breakfast before getting dressed then brushing their teeth after. Or watching a show in the morning after their clothes are on, and giving them snacks while they watch. Toddlers respond better if they know what to expect and through routines that provide them with a sense of consistency.
Schedules give toddlers the chance to prepare themselves for what is coming next preventing overstimulation which can cause them to get overwhelmed and start a tantrum.
Provide Ample Time for Tasks if Possible
Another thing you can do is help toddlers transition from one activity or event by giving them ample time to complete their current tasks. If they are drawing on the paper, let them draw all the way until they are done with that piece of paper, before helping them clean up and begin something new. You can also help them decide how much time before the next activity and let them help you set a timer. This empowers them and shares in the management of time.
By helping your child transition to something new in a calm manner, you will be able to avoid major tantrums that can happen if they are rushed into completing what they are doing now.
Create a Specific Spot for Each Activity
If your toddler is still having difficulty transitioning through their day, it might be beneficial for them to have an assigned spot for each activity or event. That way, they can have all the supplies needed readily available for them to complete what they need.
If you are still struggling during your child's day, it might be helpful for you to have a more detailed schedule or routine prepared ahead of time. This way, your toddler isn't constantly wondering when their next activity or event is going to occur. It may be beneficial to create a visual schedule where they see what activity occurs in what order. This could be a small poster with pictures that represent that different activities or events. You can refer to it when preparing to transition and provide a "heads up" that a transition is about to happen and what it is.
Create a Bedtime Routine
It's also important for you to know that if your toddler is having difficulty transitioning between activities or events throughout the day, it could be because of a lack of sleep at night. Make sure they are getting enough rest each night by putting them to bed early or on time and sticking to a routine.
Helping your toddler transition through their day can be challenging, but by following some tips you can make it easier on everyone involved. By using these techniques your toddler will not only be happier throughout the day but so will you!
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