Terrific transitions

It's not always easy for little ones to stop one activity and start another. These clever ideas can make switching gears easier.

• Keep good-byes pleasant.
  Does your child sometimes have a hard time making the transition from home to school or day care? Try arriving in the classroom or building a few minutes early, and name something she can look forward to. ("It's nice out today--you'll be able to play on the playground again!")
• Be creative.
  Let your youngster decide how to move from one place to another. You might say, "It's time to go. Would you like to walk like an elephant or hop like a frog on our way to the car?"
• Use a timer.
  Show your child how to set a timer by himself, and explain what the numbers mean. ("The first number is a three--that's three minutes. When it gets to zero, we're going to T-ball.") Then, place it near him so he knows how much time is left to play.
• Sing songs.
  Music can make anything more fun. Your youngster might pick up her toys to a special cleanup song. Or the two of you could invent words to "The Wheels on the Car" (to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus") while you drive from one place to another.