Predictable Transition Support
Transition Timer
A visual countdown with gentle warnings for leaving the park, ending screen time, or getting ready to go.
Why it may help: Some toddlers find sudden changes difficult. A visual countdown can make the next change more predictable, while calm support and acknowledging feelings remain important.
What are we finishing?
How long?
minutes
Enter a whole number from 1 to 60 minutes.
Sound and vibration alerts
On
Leaving the park
5:00
Time left
Time's Up!
Great job! Time to move on.
Tips for Smoother Transitions
- Show the timer — Let your toddler see the countdown. A visual cue may be easier to follow than an abstract phrase such as "5 minutes".
- Name what's next — "When the timer finishes, we'll put on our shoes and go to the car."
- Acknowledge their feelings — "I know it's hard to stop playing. The timer helps us know when it's time."
- Keep it calm — When the timer ends, acknowledge difficult feelings and offer simple choices where appropriate.
For more support, see NHS advice on helping toddlers with emotions (opens in a new tab) and Berkshire Healthcare NHS guidance on switching tasks (opens in a new tab).