by Sadiyya Patel

Created on: September 11, 2008

7 Tips To Help Your Toddler Deal With Change.

Change is something almost all of us struggle with and children are no exception. Even if the change is something pleasant, we still struggle. Human beings enjoy the security that comes from the familiar.

A young child's life is filled with changes such as weaning, moving, getting a new bed or starting school.

Here are some tips to make change a little easier on your child:

* Gradual change is easier for a child to adjust to then sudden change. If at all possible, ease your child into the new transition, rather than throw him into the deep end. For example, start your toddler off with 2 days of playgroup a week, and then later transition into a full week.

* Prepare your child for the change ahead of time. Tell your child about the upcoming changes and what he can expect. For example, say you are moving to another town. Tell your child what the new town will be like, what color his new bedroom is going to be, the name of the new school he is going to attend, and so forth.

* Don't be afraid to try different solutions. Stay flexible. If something isn't working, then abandon it and search for new solutions.

* Tell your child what will stay the same in his life. For example, parents getting a divorce may tell their toddler that although Daddy and Mummy will be living in separate houses, and that he will be living with Mummy all week, Daddy will still be taking him to the park on weekends, just like always.

* Give your child ample time to adjust to the changes that have occurred. Expect your toddler to be more cranky, moody and just plain difficult. Try to allow for that and be patient. His behavior will improve as he settles down and accepts the new changes that have occurred.

* On the other hand, listen to and stay attentive to the needs of your child and the feedback you receive from your child. Give your toddler some time to adjust to the changes and be consistent with follow through. If you child is still having a rough time adjusting, then you may need to reevaluate the changes that have occurred. When my son was five, he began pre-school. He cried every day and at first I thought that he was having problems adjusting to the school. Despite all my efforts to help him adjust, he was still crying every day three months later. It was only when we put him into another school, did the crying stop.

* Celebrate the change. A simple ritual or celebration can mark the change that is about to take place. The celebration doesn't have to be either large or elaborate in order to make the change easier to tolerate.

These tips should help your toddler deal with change more easily, and make your life as a parent a bit easier as well.

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