Sept. 7, 2023

Transitions and Why They're Hard For Kids

Transitions and Why They're Hard For Kids

There are “big picture” transitions for kids, like starting school. There are smaller daily transitions, like putting screens down to get pajamas on. Both kinds can drive little kids bananas. Here’s how to make such times easier on them… and us.

Transitions are hard for little kids, and it’s not hard to see why: they usually move a kid from something that they’re absorbed in and enjoying to something a lot less interesting and fun.

In this episode we talk about how to deal with the meltdowns, talking back, and general resistance around transitions, and how to make those moments easier, whether it’s a “big picture” transition like starting school, or just time to leave the playground.

We talk about Claire Lerner’s excellent advice in this episode– check out What Fresh Hell’s recent interview with Claire: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/claire-lerner

And here are links to some of the writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode: 

Dyan Robson for the CBC: How To Help Kids Who Struggle With Daily Transitions

Claire Lerner for PBS Kids: How to Help Your Child Successfully Transition Back to School


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