One of the most common arguments I get to witness is the transition from my program when the parents come to pick up their kids. I wish I could say that it
is because I am so wonderful that the kids never want to leave! The truth is much simpler.
Children (and adults!) resist transitions. They simply don’t want to stop what
they’re doing to go do whatever else it is that you want them to do. I routinely walk children through transitions. From homework time to free time, from free time to karate class, and yes, when I can I help parents get them ready to go home.
My secret?
Prepare them ahead of time. I like to give warnings especially when I see a child deep in play. “Alright, you have about ten more minutes, then I need you to clean up and be ready for class.”
They might resist the first time or two, because I am consistent, it becomes an easy routine.
Parents: when you want your child to leave without an argument, try giving them a warning. “We need to leave in four minutes (I never use five
– it’s overused and no one takes it seriously), so I need you to stop and put your shoes on.
The next thing you do is the most important. You have to actually leave in four
minutes. So many times, we tell children to hurry because we need to leave and then we start talking and don’t actually go. In essence, we teach them that we don’t really mean what we say. If you’re not in a hurry, don’t say it. If you are, mean it.
Good luck!
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