Challenging transitions resulting in prolonged melt-downs 

Children who have sensory processing problems or developmental delays often have difficulty with complying with finishing an activity when a parent requests it, e.g. “We have to leave now or we’ll be late!” 

Prolonged tantrums can make daily routines and socializing very difficult. 

Here are some ideas that may help: 

1.  Set the expectations at the beginning, e.g. “We can stay at Grandma’s house until 2:00 and then we are leaving to pick up your brother.” 

2.  As the time to leave approaches, set a timer.  Perhaps allowing the child to see the timer will be helpful to them.  Giving another reminder, such as “1 minute and it’s time to go” may be of further benefit. 

3.  Set up a preferred/fun activity to help the transition.  Offer a preferred toy or a small treat and say “first get shoes on, and then you can have this in the car!”.  Using bubbles as a transition tool is also very helpful.  You can blow bubbles while you get ready and continue to blow them all the way out to the car.  You could use this same strategy while helping your child do his or her bedtime routine. 

4.  Sometimes children who struggle to understand language may do better with a picture schedule.  You can add pictures to your phone and show the child the picture of where you are going.  If the transition involves a new activity, such as getting in the bathtub, use a picture of the bathtub and pair it with fun toy that the child can play with in the bath. 

If tantrums surrounding transitions continue to be severe, talk with your child’s occupational therapist for a customized program.