Episode Details

Why do some kids completely fall apart when it’s time to leave the playground, get ready for school, or switch activities? We dive into why transitions are particularly difficult for some kids and what parents can do to make them easier.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

• how anxiety, ADHD, autism, and OCD can cause unique issues with transitions
• reframing a child’s behavior as a "signal" to help parents focus on the underlying problem
• how parents can validate emotions while still setting clear boundaries
• practical strategies for helping kids transition, including verbal "previews," visual schedules and timers, and predictable routines

Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode:

• Our Fresh Take with Dr. Siggie Cohen
• Our Fresh Take with Dr. Stacy Haynes
• Katherine Martinelli for the Child Mind Institute: Why Do Kids Have Trouble With Transitions?
• Claire Lerner for Psychology Today: The Trouble With Transitions
• Kristine Cain for Building Bright Futures blog: Why Some Children Struggle More with Transitions Than Others
• Lerner Child Development: The Trouble With Transitions: Why They Are So Hard For Some Kids And How To Help
• Houston Family Therapy Associates: Why Kids Resist Transitions (and How to Help)
• Lerner Child Development: How "Two-Great Choices" Prevents Power Struggles
• Dr. Michael Sweeney
• Visual timer for kids
• Hourglass timer
• Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems<