If you’re familiar with kids and their behavioral patterns, you recognize the importance of transitions and the effective strategies and calming methods that help them navigate these changes smoothly.
What are Calming transition techniques?
Calming transition techniques are those little magic tricks that teachers, therapists, and caregivers have invented to help prevent tantrums and promote self-regulation when kids need to change positions from one action to another all through the day.
Why are Calming Transition Techniques Essential?
Here are a few reasons why having calming transition techniques is essential for children;
- It helps children cooperate.
- It helps children learn to take charge of their activities.
- It gives room for children to look forward to things they enjoy.
- It teaches children to get on a schedule.
- It assists parents in creating those special moments of connection and bonding.
- Plans help parents maintain consistency in expectations.
10 Calming Techniques & Transition Strategies for Kids
- Simplify the Activity and Duration for the child.
Use a visual timer. Direct the child’s attention to it when setting it and consistently refer back to it during the activity. For instance, “Look, we have 5 minutes remaining!”
Choose a set number of turns with the activity before transitioning, and then clearly count them out. For example, “10 more swings on the swing, 3 more turns with the toy,” etc.
Provide frequent reminders about the remaining duration the child has to participate in the activity.
2. Ensure the Child Anticipates the Next Activity with Excitement!
Visual schedules are highly effective for this purpose. Create a visual plan outlining several steps of the child’s day, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and going to school, using pictures or, if the child can read, phrases.
Consider trying the Visual Schedule Planner app, which appears to be an excellent tool. Rotate between preferred and non-preferred activities to keep the child optimistic about what lies ahead throughout the day.
Consistently adhere to the schedule until it becomes a familiar routine for the child. If a child struggles with changes, simplify the process using a “First…Then” chart. This chart demonstrates that the child must complete one activity before moving on to a more preferred one.
3. Utilize a transition object or toy.
Occasionally, having a favorite object during transitions can comfort a child.
Consider using the child’s special toy, book, or other item designated for use during the bus ride to and from school, especially if these times of the day are challenging. Sometimes, this is all it takes to make all the difference!!
4. Practice the art of distraction.
Singing is incredibly effective for distraction during transitions, as are movement activities that facilitate movement from one point to another (e.g., “Let’s hop to the sink to wash our hands!”).
5. Make a sensory “pit stop”.
If there’s a place in the hallway to leave a mini trampoline, use it as an opportunity for kids to do a little “sensory drive-by” as they walk to the next activity.
It’s usually a good motivator too! Explore these compact work activities for small spaces.
6. Have a consistent way of signaling that an activity is over.
Try having a consistent song that lets kids know that a transition is coming – like a “Line Up” song or a “Clean Up” song.
You could also consider using a statement or action to signal that the activity is over. Remember to maintain consistency.
7. Improve the Waiting Experience: Minimize Discomfort and Confusion.
Waiting Is every kid’s worst nightmare. It’s boring and somewhat confusing. Kids hate it and even grown-ups too, right?
The best approach is to minimize the amount of time children spend waiting for the next activity to begin. While waiting is sometimes unavoidable, providing children with the tools to make it more manageable can make it more endurable.
Utilize pictorial prompts during wait times Can greatly help to show that the waiting is almost over! Alternatively, consider using a simple visual cue or sign with “STOP” or “WAIT” to provide clear guidance.
8. Don’t rush it.
If you know that a child is going to struggle with an upcoming transition, give him/her (and yourself) LOTS of extra time to make the switch from one activity to another. Most of these transition strategies take time, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of wiggle room.
9. Practice makes perfect.
Social stories are great for easing anxiety over new or difficult transitions. They allow kids to mentally “practice” the transition in a calm, non-threatening way. We use these in the classroom and then send the same social stories home for families to read in the evenings too.
Patience is key. Kids aren’t going to learn to make new transitions unless they have consistent practice – sometimes for many days (or weeks).
10. Consistency, structure, and organization are key!
Strive to consistently implement changes at designated times throughout the day whenever feasible. This fosters a calm environment for introducing new activities and transitions when needed.
Additionally, well-defined spaces and work areas are beneficial. Consider designating a specific spot for homework at home or a dedicated area where the child can easily locate clothes and prepare for the day in the morning.
What do you think about these?
CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES
https://www. mindfulmazing.com/transition-strategies-for-kids-9-tips-to-ease-transition-troubles/
https://www.lwtears.com/blog/6-transition-activities-preschoolers-and-toddlers