Supporting Smooth Transitions with Occupational Therapy
If you've ever tried to get your child out the door in the morning or transition from playtime to bedtime—and been met with big feelings, resistance, or meltdowns—you’re not alone. Transitions can be incredibly challenging for many children, especially during early development.
In our work, we see how often families struggle with daily routines like mealtimes, getting dressed, or moving from one activity to the next. The good news? These challenges are completely normal. Struggling with transitions is developmentally appropriate, and with time, support, and the right strategies, children can learn to manage them more smoothly.
Understanding why transitions are difficult is the first step. Then, we can begin to build tools and routines that make these moments feel more predictable, manageable, and even enjoyable for both children and caregivers.
Why Do Children Struggle with Transitions?
There are many reasons why transitions may feel overwhelming to a child:
They’re deeply engaged in what they’re doing. Leaving a fun or focused activity can feel disappointing or confusing.
They don’t know what’s coming next. Even if it’s a routine task, a lack of predictability can lead to fear or anxiety.
They’ve had negative past experiences. If a certain activity (like brushing teeth or going to daycare) was previously stressful, they may resist it in the future.
Transitions involve many demands. Shifting attention, adapting to new sounds or smells, and adjusting energy levels can all feel overwhelming—especially for young children or those with sensory sensitivities.
Transitions naturally increase alertness. This can make it more difficult for a child to stay calm and regulated during the switch.
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Can Help
One of many challenges Occupational Therapists work with children and families on is easing transitions. Together, we will build skills that support smoother transitions and reduce the intensity of emotional responses. Our goal is not to eliminate big feelings altogether—but to make transitions easier and more manageable over time.
Here are a few OT-informed strategies that can help support your child during transitions:
1. Let Your Child Know What to Expect
Predictability is powerful. When children know what’s coming next, they’re less likely to feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Try:
Consistent routines to help your child anticipate what’s next.
Verbal previews before transitions, especially for unexpected changes (e.g. “We’re going to pick up your sibling after lunch. First, we drive to school, then we wait in the car.”)
Visual schedules with pictures or icons showing each step in a routine (like brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast).
Role-play or pretend play before big transitions (e.g., visiting the doctor or starting preschool). This gives children a chance to process the experience in a low-pressure way.
Books and stories about new experiences can help build familiarity and reduce fear.
2. Use Simple Transition Language
Clear and consistent language helps children feel secure.
Use tools like:
“First, then” phrasing (e.g., “First we clean up, then we play outside”) to show the sequence of activities.
Countdowns and time warnings (e.g., “5 more minutes,” then “1 more minute”) to prepare for the change.
Visual timers so your child can “see” time passing—helpful for those who don’t yet understand time conceptually.
3. Create a Positive Behaviour Cycle
Instead of focusing only on what your child shouldn’t do, try using positive reinforcement to shape behaviour.
For example:
Say, “Let’s sit on the slide,” instead of “Don’t stand!”
Notice and recognize moments when your child transitions calmly or follows a direction.
Use gentle redirection with encouragement instead of correction.
Over time, this approach builds confidence and connection.
4. Use a “Transition Item”
A special object can help signal a shift and give your child a sense of control.
Try offering:
A small toy, snack, or object to carry from one activity to the next (e.g., carrying the rubber duck to the bathroom every night).
An object related to the next activity (e.g., giving them the diaper wipes to carry to the changing table).
These items create visual and sensory cues that a change is happening, while also giving your child a job or role, which can feel empowering for them.
5. Build Positive Associations with Tough Activities
If your child resists an activity because of a difficult past experience, you can gently reframe it.
For example:
If car rides are stressful, spend a few days playing in the car—reading books, blowing bubbles, or playing with toys to build a new, fun association.
If potty time is tricky, try adding colored lights or special songs to make the environment more engaging.
OT strategies focus on creating small, positive moments that build trust and reduce fear.
6. Support Regulation Before and During Transitions
Some transitions are hard because your child is already dysregulated—tired, hungry, overstimulated, or overwhelmed.
Support your child by:
Providing calming activities beforehand, like blowing bubbles, swinging, or cuddling with a weighted toy.
Offering sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones or a quiet corner if they’re entering a busy environment.
Balancing “safe” and “challenging” tasks, such as serving a familiar food alongside a new one.
Over time, you can also begin building self-regulation strategies with your child to help them identify and manage their emotional states.
Looking for Occupational Therapy in Toronto?
Transitions are more complex than we often give them credit for—but with the right support, children can build the skills they need to navigate change with more ease and confidence. If your child is struggling with transitions, routines, sensory sensitivities, or emotional regulation, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
At Attuned Families, our Occupational Therapist, Emilie Nelson, OT Reg. (Ont.), offers support for children and their caregivers through everyday challenges. Emilie brings experience supporting children from infancy through adolescence, including children with developmental, cognitive, sensory, and emotional needs. She takes a strengths-based, warm, and collaborative approach, offering practical tools that can be used both in therapy and at home.
Whether your child is navigating early developmental milestones, preparing for school, managing sensory overload, or building executive functioning skills, Emilie can support your family with strategies that align with your goals and values. She also brings specialized experience in areas like picky eating, fine and gross motor skills, and working with children with complex medical histories—including brain injury rehabilitation and chronic pain.
Reach out to us to learn more about Occupational Therapy and if it is the right fit for your family.
