P2.3 Understanding the effect of transitions and significant events on children.

P2.3 Understanding the effect of transitions and significant events on children.

What transitions could a child go through?

Types of Transitions 

Transition: The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another, which in the context of children can include events like starting school or moving homes.

Types of Transitions and Significant Events

• moving between settings and carers 
• starting and loving through day care 
• birth of a sibling 
• moving home 
• living outside the home 
• family breakdown 
• loss of significant person/bereavement 
• illness 

What do you already know about the effects of transitions and significant events on children?

Potential Positive & Negative Effects of Transitions

In two teams;

Team one, provide the positive effects of the transitions listed. Team two, provide the negative effects on the transitions listed. You will share your findings with the group a

Factors influencing Children Responses

Children's responses to transitions can indeed vary widely, depending on a range of factors such;

• Age and development stage
• Personality and temperament 
• Previous experiences
• Support system 

Increased Motivation and Confidence 

Positive Aspects: Some children may respond to transitions with increased motivation and confidence. For example, starting school or moving to a new class might be seen as exciting opportunities for growth and learning.

Behavioural Indicators: Enthusiasm for new challenges, eagerness to participate, increased independence, and a proactive approach to making new friends or learning new skills.

Emotional Indicators: Feelings of pride, excitement, and optimism about the changes. The child may express positive anticipation and display a strong sense of self-efficacy.

Regression

Negative Aspects: Regression involves reverting to earlier stages of development, often as a way of seeking comfort or security.

Behavioural Indicators: Behaviours such as thumb-sucking, bedwetting, using baby talk, or demanding to be carried or fed.

Emotional Indicators: A desire for the familiarity of previous routines or stages of life, and discomfort with new expectations or responsibilities.

Reluctance to Engage 

Negative Aspects: Some children may respond to transitions by becoming reluctant to engage in new activities or environments.

Behavioural Indicators: Avoidance of new experiences, refusal to attend school or participate in social activities, and hesitation to form new relationships.

Emotional Indicators: Feelings of overwhelm, fear of failure or rejection, and lack of interest or enthusiasm for the new situation.

Transition Scenarios 

You will be provided a scenario of a child going through a transition. 

As an practitioner you need to create an activity/activities in the setting that can be used to support the child going through this transition - draw on your experiences in setting.

What is one method used to assist children in coping with transitions?

1. Establishing familiar routines and consistent schedules
2. Encouraging constant change and unpredictability
3. Ignoring their emotions and reactions
4. Minimizing the impact of the transition

How can adults support children during significant events?

1. Pressuring them to quickly adapt and move on
2. Isolating them from any discussions about the event
3. Minimizing the significance of the event
4. Providing a safe and supportive environment for expression

What approach can be used to aid in children's adjustment during transitions?

1. Imposing strict rules and inflexible expectations
2. Encouraging open communication and expression of feelings
3. Forcing them to suppress their emotions
4. Discouraging any discussion about the transition

How can adults help children's well-being during transitions?

1. Validating their emotions and providing reassurance
2. Dismissing their feelings and reactions as unimportant
3. Expecting immediate adaptation without support
4. Overloading them with new responsibilities and tasks

What is a helpful method for assisting children in transitions?

1. Disregarding their need for familiarity and comfort
2. Promoting a sense of security and belonging
3. Pressuring them to deal with transitions independently
4. Creating an environment of constant uncertainty and instability