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Transition Timer – Gentle Support for Softer Transitions

Three soft, rounded steps ascending from left to right, to represent a gentle, gradual transition — moving from one moment to the next at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Transition Timer – Gentle Support for Softer Transitions

A calm, child‑friendly timer that helps children move between activities in soft, manageable moments.

The Transition Timer offers a gentle, predictable way to shift from one thing to the next — without pressure, urgency, or overwhelm.

It supports emotional safety by showing time visually, giving children a steady cue that feels warm, clear, and easy to follow.

It’s designed to help children:

  • prepare for a change

  • move at a pace that feels safe

  • reduce transition‑related overwhelm

  • share the moment with a grown‑up

  • feel supported rather than rushed

 

The icon moves quietly across the bar, offering a soft visual anchor that helps transitions feel calmer and more predictable.

Tap Start when your body feels ready.
The timer will guide one gentle transition in a steady, child‑friendly way.

It’s okay to move in the way that feels right for you.

This tool works well alongside...

•     Transition Menu – gives children soft choices for how to move between activities

•     Soft Start Menu – supports gentle beginnings after a transition

•     Feeling Schedule – helps children see transitions within the rhythm of their day​

FAQ: Transition Timer – Gentle Support for Softer Transitions

For grown‑ups: How do I support my child with this tool?

This FAQ offers simple guidance to help you use the Transition Timer together.
It’s designed to make transitions calmer, clearer, and more predictable — for both of you.

What is this tool for?

The Transition Timer helps children move between activities by showing time visually in a warm, gentle way.
It supports emotional safety, reduces overwhelm, and offers a steady rhythm for shifting from one moment to the next.

How do we use it?

Tap Start together when your child feels ready.
The icon will move slowly across the bar, showing the transition in a calm, predictable way.

Children can:

  • watch the movement

  • shift at a soft, manageable pace

  • pause if they need a moment

  • follow the gentle visual rhythm

  • use it as a grounding cue

There’s no right or wrong way to use it.

 

Does my child need to stay for the whole cycle?

No.
Some children enjoy watching the icon move from start to finish; others may pause or move on sooner.
Both are completely okay.

What if my child presses Start and Pause repeatedly?

That’s fine.
Exploring the controls can help children feel in charge of the moment.
The timer is designed to be flexible, child‑led, and emotionally safe.

Does the timer tell my child what to do?

No.
The Transition Timer offers a gentle visual cue, not instructions.
Children can move, pause, watch, or simply notice the movement in whatever way feels right.

Can this tool help with transition overwhelm or resistance?

Yes.
Many children feel calmer when transitions are shown visually rather than spoken about.
The steady movement supports predictability, warmth, and emotional ease.

Is this timer only for transitions?

Mostly — but it can support any moment that benefits from gentle pacing.

Some families use it for:

  • preparing to switch activities

  • softening the shift between tasks

  • grounding after busy or overstimulating moments

  • easing into a new routine

 

Do I need to talk through the transition?

Only if it helps.
Some children prefer quiet moments; others like gentle narration.
Follow your child’s lead.

Can I adapt the language for my child?

Yes.
You’re welcome to rephrase prompts in ways that feel familiar, comforting, or more accessible for your child.

It’s okay to move in the way that feels right for you.

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