When Kids Hate Transitions

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