Helping Your Child with Transitions

Helping Your Child with Transitions

Transitions, like moving from home to school, starting a new activity, or switching between tasks can be stressful for many children, especially those with developmental differences. Learning to handle change is a skill that can be taught and supported, rather than expected to come naturally.

1. Why Transitions Are Challenging

Children often struggle with transitions because they involve uncertainty and require flexible thinking. This can trigger anxiety or resistance, especially if they haven’t yet developed strong emotional regulation skills.

2. The Role of Co-Regulation

Parents and caregivers can help by co-regulating, staying calm, modelling patience, and guiding the child gently through the change. Simple strategies include:

• Giving a warning before the transition (“In 5 minutes, we’ll clean up”)

• Using visual or verbal cues

• Acknowledging feelings (“I know it’s hard to stop playing, but we’ll come back later”)
  
  

3. Scaffolding, Not Overcompensating

RDI® encourages guides to support without doing it for the child. Offer help in small steps:

• Hand them the materials for the next task

• Stay close for guidance

• Let them try, even if it’s imperfect
  
  

4. Creating Predictable Routines

Children feel safer when they know what to expect. Predictable routines, combined with small, manageable challenges, help children gradually build confidence in navigating transitions independently.

Transitions don’t have to be stressful. With patience, structured guidance, and small steps, children can learn to adapt confidently. Explore more strategies in our free ebook: Supporting Neurodivergent Children with Confidence, or join our free RDI® Made Simple course to start learn more.

Contributed by

Genevieve Chua

Educational Psychologist and RDI® Training Director (Southeast Asia and Australia)

Children's Partnership