From giving up the pacifier to memorizing a locker combination, growing up is a series of reluctantly-greeted transitions. The ages and challenges change, but the anxiety produced remains familiar.  For us too.
We’re here to tell you that whatever transition you’re shepherding your kid through, this is not forever. This is just right now. Our sons and daughters will not be sucking their thumbs at prom, so long as we parents get just the right amount of not totally over-involved.
In this episode, we discuss

how to practice transitions early and often
why transitions are harder for introverts
the power of magical thinking
the totally wrong time to introduce the big kid bed
how forced transitions can lead to “tensional outlets”
the importance of peer relationships as kids transition to middle school

Here’s links to some articles and research discussed in this episode:
Marilyn Heins for the Tucson Daily Star: Giving Up Pacifier Is One Early Milestone in Growing Up
Susana Kuehne for Scary Mommy: Please Mind Your Own Business About My Child’s Pacifier
Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. for Psychology Today: Helping Children Through Transitions
Ask Dr. Sears: From Crib to Bed
The Mayo Clinic: Thumb Sucking: Help Your Child Break the Habit
Association for Middle Level Education: Transitioning Young Adolescents From Elementary to Middle School

…and for both parents and kids, Amy loves Kevin Henkes’s  Owen, about a mouse who really isn’t ready to part with his blanket despite what the nosy neighbor thinks–and a mom who has just the right solution.
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This episode is also brought to you by Green Chef, the first USDA-certified organic meal kit delivery service that includes everything you need to cook delicious, gourmet meals that you can feel good about.