Hello
I just joined the group on Friday . In addition to potty training I need help with my 5 year old Granddaughter Reese in transitioning to other activities . I have difficulty with getting her to leave the playground or many other activities . Please help!
Thank you
Kathy Peterson
Answer:
Welcome, Kathy! So glad you joined us on Friday!
Great question, and this is SO common, especially with our kiddos who love to be in control of their environment.
Here's what we're going to do: Timers are your new best friend.
Before you even get to the playground, set the expectation. Tell Reese: "We're going to play for a little while, and when the timer goes off, we're going to [next activity/location]." Give her the heads up BEFORE she's in full play mode.
Then during play:
10 minutes left — YOU give a verbal heads-up, no alarm yet
5 minutes left — YOU give another verbal heads-up, no alarm yet
Timer goes off — we GO. No negotiating, no "just 5 more minutes"
The timer only rings that final time, and when it does, that's it. The timer is the boss, not Grandma. This takes the battle off of you, she can't argue with a timer the way she can argue with a person.
Now here's where we sweeten the pot, if Reese leaves when the timer goes off with NO fuss, she earns something special. A reward for a skill she's learning.
But the reward only comes when she transitions well. If there's a meltdown, no reward. Consistent every single time.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Welcome, Kathy! So glad you joined us on Friday!
Great question, and this is SO common, especially with our kiddos who love to be in control of their environment.
Here’s what we’re going to do: Timers are your new best friend.
Before you even get to the playground, set the expectation. Tell Reese: “We’re going to play for a little while, and when the timer goes off, we’re going to [next activity/location].” Give her the heads up BEFORE she’s in full play mode.
Then during play:
10 minutes left — YOU give a verbal heads-up, no alarm yet
5 minutes left — YOU give another verbal heads-up, no alarm yet
Timer goes off — we GO. No negotiating, no “just 5 more minutes”
The timer only rings that final time, and when it does, that’s it. The timer is the boss, not Grandma. This takes the battle off of you, she can’t argue with a timer the way she can argue with a person.
Now here’s where we sweeten the pot, if Reese leaves when the timer goes off with NO fuss, she earns something special. A reward for a skill she’s learning.
But the reward only comes when she transitions well. If there’s a meltdown, no reward. Consistent every single time.
Let me know if you have any other questions!