From one role to the next: navigating transitions

Both myself and my two year old son are currently struggling to manage transitions and it felt pertinent that we are dealing with this in parallel. Whilst I am moving from one job role to the next, he is moving from one situation to the next, trains, dinner, bath, bed. In my mind, all transitions are made equal, no one higher on the hierarchy than another because I think it is universal for transitions of all kinds to be tricky. Lets look at how we can use some of the tips and tricks for easing transitions in toddlerhood, for those transitioning in their career.

Previewing

To allow toddlers to always be emotionally ready for a transition, this technique looks to give them a preview of upcoming events; laying out what the day will look like in terms of activities to help them engage in the process. A fear of the unknown underlies anxiety, with the brain viewing uncertainty as danger as we don't know what is next. It therefore makes sense that reducing the unknowns will reduce the anxiety. As I approach a new role, I'm thinking about how I can reduce the unknowns- one of the greatest gifts the new employer have given me so far is a timetable of my first two weeks, this has massively helped. As you approach a new transition, in what ways can you reduce unknowns?

Give it a sound track

If you're a parent you will know (although noone tells us beforehand) that along with a child, you are opening your life up to constant songs and theme tunes. There is a song for everything, from brushing teeth to tidying up. Singing these songs as toddlers are going through the transitioning stages of their day can be effective in giving them comfort and enjoyment during a time when they are anxious or worried. How then, as adults, can we utilise music to ease anxious transitional times? It can be said for most people that they have playlists for all occasions, for when you crave feeling really sad, when you need to be feel confident, when you need to push harder at the gym...and for your transitions. Be it the playlist you listen to as you walk into your new office for the first time, or the one you blast just before you turn on Teams for your interview. Which songs can you add to your "transitions" playlist? The first one my list would be 'Changes' by David Bowie.

Use rewards

Rewarding good behaviour is used often in toddler parenthood, we currently have two sticker charts on the go. It therefore seems predictable to get yet another for rewarding your toddler when they transition particularly well- although I do worry for how long stickers will be a coveted item! Psychologist Barbara Di Benedetto says that "when they're used effectively, they can help your child find the motivation to progress, learn and grow". Pretty powerful stuff. What about then when, as adults, we want to progress, learn and grow? Often that is why we make the transitions from one job to another. Although for some adults a sticker chart may be effective, what rewards would be effective to help motivate you through your transition? As I move from one role to the next, once the initial transition is made, I am looking forward to rewarding myself with a new notebook (I'm considering a remarkable?) and an aperol spritz at the end of the week!

It is important to point out (in case it wasn't obvious) that I am not a parenting expert.