Transitions....oh what a challenge!

Going from school structure to summer vacation....

Vacation back to school structure....

Play time to bedtime....

Sleep time to get out the door time....

All were challenging transitions for my kids, and therefore for me.  Oh yeah, I have one now transitioning from college to working....and it is still difficult.  The sense of uncertainty.  The change.  All of it is unsettling for our kids.  We need to be mindful of how they are feeling, as that is what is driving their behavior, and often misbehavior.

So what can you do to help your kids through the transitions?

Talk about them.....ask them how they are feeling.  Then listen, with your ears open and your mouth shut.  Hard for us parents to do!

Help them build new routine charts.  The summer routine is often different than the school year one, AND just as important for your kids to feel safe and comfortable.   Have them come up with a list of things they need to do to get ready for their day, then have fun making a routine chart.  You can do this for anytime of the day, including playing and then cleaning up as part of the routine!  For older children, discussing and agreeing to what needs to get done is so helpful!

Start the summer off peacefully and enjoyably!  Happy end of school year to all of you!

If you would like to learn more about the Positive Discipline model which helps build connections and relationships, check out our upcoming introductory and 6-week class schedule at http://positivedisciplinewesternct.org/parenting-classes/.   Summer classes are available!

Positive Discipline of Western CT inspires and promotes the development of life skills and respectful relationships in families, schools, and businesses in our local communities. We provide classes to parents, caregivers, educators and youth development workers to help strengthen relationships with children, encouraging them to be responsible, resourceful and self-reliant.