Understanding Transitions: Why They Matter in Early Childhood

Carly Blackburn
Apr 17
3 min read

Transitions are a natural part of life. From waking up to leaving the house, from moving between rooms to starting school—children are constantly navigating change. While adults may view these moments as minor or routine, for a young child, transitions can feel uncertain, unsettling, and even overwhelming. At Informed Early Years, we believe that understanding transitions through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens is key to supporting children’s emotional well-being, brain development, and overall sense of safety.

What Do We Mean by 'Transitions'?

In early childhood, transitions can be:

Micro-transitions: Switching from playtime to tidy-up time, moving from home to nursery, or preparing for bedtime.
Major transitions: Starting nursery or school, moving house, parental separation, welcoming a new sibling, or changing key workers or teachers.
Unexpected transitions: Illness, family crises, or sudden changes to routine (e.g. returning to care after holidays or lockdowns).

Each transition, no matter the scale, involves a shift in environment, expectation, or emotional state—and that shift requires a child’s brain and body to respond, regulate, and adapt.

Why Do Transitions Feel So Big for Children?

Young children thrive on predictability, consistency, and connection. These form the foundations of their emotional safety. Transitions disrupt these anchors, often without warning or explanation.

The Neuroscience Behind It

Children’s brains are still developing the ability to self-regulate. When faced with change, their stress response system—the amygdala—can be activated. This can trigger a 'fight, flight, or freeze' response, leading to behaviours such as tantrums, clinginess, silence, refusal, or sudden bursts of emotion - we call this dysregulation. Without the tools to name or manage these feelings, children may feel out of control. That’s where co-regulation, routine, and relational support come in.

How Transitions Link to Trauma and Emotional Well-Being

Not all transitions are traumatic—but for children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), routine changes can activate trauma responses, especially if those changes feel unsafe, unpredictable, or isolating.

A trauma-informed approach helps us:

Understand that behaviour = communication
Offer compassion over correction
Use predictability, presence, and emotional attunement to reduce fear
Strengthen attachment and help children build their self-regulation skills

Research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child shows that stable, responsive relationships are the most powerful buffer to childhood stress. When we support children through transitions in a relational way, we reduce anxiety and nurture resilience.

Recognising When a Child Is Struggling with Transitions

Signs a child might be overwhelmed include:

Resistance to change or heightened anxiety
Tearfulness or clinging during goodbyes
Increased aggression or withdrawal
Regression in sleep, toileting, or independence
Verbalising fears or asking repetitive questions

Rather than seeing these as behaviours to 'fix', consider them invitations to connect.

Strategies for Supporting Transitions

Whether at home or in a setting, these approaches can make all the difference:

🧸 Prepare and Predict

Use visual schedules or social stories to explain what’s coming next.
Narrate changes ahead of time: “In 5 minutes, we’ll tidy up to get ready for lunch.”
Practice new routines with role play or picture books.

🌱 Stay Connected

Offer reassurance: “It’s okay to feel unsure. I’m here with you".
Establish rituals for goodbyes and reunions (a special hug or phrase).
Keep key attachment figures present during unfamiliar moments when possible.

🌈 Keep It Consistent

Maintain daily routines even during busier times like holidays or celebrations.
Use familiar objects (e.g. a comfort toy or photo) to create a sense of continuity.
Support gradual transitions where possible—don’t rush.

💛 Be Emotionally Available

Validate their feelings without minimising them.
Co-regulate through calming breaths, sensory play, or quiet time.
Help them label emotions: “It looks like you’re feeling worried about going back to nursery".

Remember: Transitions Are Not Just 'Moments' — They’re Milestones

How we respond to transitions teaches children how to handle uncertainty, manage big feelings, and trust the people around them.

When handled with care, transitions become opportunities for:

✔️ Building resilience

✔️ Deepening trust

✔️ Strengthening emotional literacy

✔️ Fostering a safe foundation for learning and growth

Need More Support?

We’ve created a free interactive workbook to help you reflect on and respond to transitions in a relational way—whether you’re a parent, carer, or early years professional.

Download it here: Supporting Children Through Transitions – Freebie

Looking for even more insights and trauma-informed strategies? Check out our bite-sized e-learning courses or subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates.

At Informed Early Years, we believe that children flourish when their emotional needs are seen, heard, and supported—especially in moments of change. Let’s work together to make every transition a bridge to safety and well-being.

Together, we can make a difference.

Carly

Lead Consultant

Have you seen our accredited E-learning course - Intro to Adverse Childhood Experiences? Click below to find out more. 👇