Helping Kids Move Through Transitions Calmly

Transitions and waiting are hard for young children, not because they’re being difficult, but because these skills require self-regulation, executive functioning, and emotional control, which are still developing. Here are OT-approved strategies to make transitions and waiting more manageable.

1. Prepare the Nervous System First

Before a transition or waiting demand, offer regulating input:

• Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying)

• Animal walks

• Wall push-ups or chair push-ups

A regulated body = a more flexible brain.

2. Use Predictable Warnings

Give clear, consistent warnings:

• “5 minutes left”

• “2 more turns”

• “One more song, then we clean up”

Pair verbal warnings with visual timers whenever possible.

3. Make It Visual

Visual supports reduce anxiety and improve understanding:

• Visual schedules (“First → Then”)

• Countdown strips

• Picture cards for routines

Even verbal toddlers benefit from seeing what’s coming next.

4. Turn Transitions into Movement or Play

Transitions don’t have to be abrupt:

• Hop, crawl, or crab walk to the next activity

• Use songs (“Clean up song,” “Walking feet song”)

• Pretend play (“Let’s be robots to the bathroom!”)

Play lowers resistance.

5. Offer a Job or Purpose

Giving a child a role increases buy-in:

• Carry the timer

• Hold the door

• Push the chair in

• Be the “line leader”

Purpose helps kids transition more smoothly.

6. Teach Waiting with Support

Waiting is a skill, not an expectation.
Start small:

• Hold a preferred object while waiting

• Use a “waiting hands” or “waiting spot”

• Practice waiting for seconds, then build up

Praise effort, not perfection.

7. Use Simple, Consistent Language

Keep language short and predictable:

• “First clean up, then snack.”

• “Waiting body.”

• “My turn, then your turn.”

Too many words can overwhelm during transitions.

8. Co-Regulate First, Then Expect Regulation

If a child is melting down:

• Stay close

• Lower your voice

• Offer physical proximity or deep pressure (if tolerated)

Connection comes before compliance.

 OT Reminders

✔ Transitions and waiting take practice
✔ Support builds skills over time
✔ A calm adult helps create a calm child

At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.