“It’s time to leave!” are four words that can trigger a meltdown in any preschooler. Planning ahead can be a lifesaver, especially when you have young kids. Little ones often have trouble transitioning from one thing to the next.
Whether you’re making the shift from home to the car or calling kids in for dinner from playing outside, shifting gears from one thing to another doesn’t need to come as a surprise. Leaving the playground was always a tricky process with my kids. I’d tell them it was time to pack up at the park and then brace myself for the protests, whining, falling to the ground. Not my favorite parenting moments.
If you have a game plan prepared ahead of transitions the likelihood of avoiding a meltdown goes way up. Before the next, “It’s time to leave,” I recommend using these transition tips:
Give a “heads up” warning
A few minutes before it’s time to move from one thing to the next let your kids know a transition is coming. Young kids don’t have a great sense of time passing but at least the transition won’t come as a surprise.
Empower by giving choices
For example, “Do you want to wear your red boots or blue shoes?” Make sure the choices are limited and both options are ok with you.
Draw a Transition Chart
For multi-step transitions consider using a picture chart or checklist to show the steps. You can find free printables for your chart on Pinterest or draw simple pictures to represent each step. For your morning routine: bed (make bed), clothes (get dressed), cereal bowl (eat breakfast), toothbrush (brush teeth).
Assess Who’s Hungry or Tired
Hungry or tired kids struggle more with transitions, and so do parents.
Ask instead of tell
Rather than telling your child to put their coat on, say, “What will you need so you don’t get cold when we go outside?” Parenting expert, Dr. Jane Nelson, has found that giving young kids the opportunity to solve their own problems has a positive impact on development. It builds executive function and teaches kids to take ownership of their preparation.
No plan is foolproof. There will still be times when your child has a meltdown but these tips will help you say “It’s time to leave” with greater success.
What transition tips have worked with your young kids? Share them in the comments below so we can help each other and keep our sanity! ☺
