Daily transitions are the "joints" that connect daily experiences. These pose challenges for children who are fear-driven and for those with poor self-regulation. Just like life transitions do as they continue to develop, that's why providing as possible, a safe and predictable environment and letting them know in advance when possible, will help them feel more safe to connect, learn and receive from us.
Many times it's something simple what causes the difficult behavior. But when we look for ways to make their day more predictable and walk with them being attuned to their feelings, it will help them go through the difficult seasons and moments they will face with less fear.
Following with the physiological strategies, we must make sure to meet the basic needs for the well functioning of the body of these children and teenagers God has brought into our lives though adoption or foster care.
It's important that they have access to snacks and nutritious meals every 2 to 3 hours and have a balanced diet that includes protein, vegetables, fruits and carbohydrates. If your child as a special need, make sure to take in consideration what your doctor or nutritionist recommends.
Many times our children have a sense of emptiness because they experienced starvation and may want to eat more than what they need, or maybe they hoard and hide food in their rooms, or get angry because you ask them to wait for dinner and they don't trust you will feed them.
Some of the ways you can help them could be:
1. having healthy snacks available so they can see,
2. establishing and maintaining family rituals for dinner time.
In this way, with time, they will get used to the routine and know what to expect which will make it less difficult for them to face their fear. We as the adults in charge of their wellbeing and care
, can show and assure them with words and actions that we will care for them and provide what they need.
Constant hydration also helps the proper functioning of their brain and body as they grow and learn. Drinking water every 2 hours is the recommendation. If necessary, get a water bottle of their favorite superhero or character or find a creative way to encourage them to drink water. This may help reduce many temper tantrums cause by dehydration.
There are also children that may be more sensitive to textures, odors and tastes for which is important to teach them to use their words, and not see them only as ''picky or rude'' but as a difficulty they have as part of the sensory processing disorder. This may be seen also as their refusal to wear certain kind of shoes, fabrics or how tight they feel or even if they break crayons accidentally. Many of their reactions are a defense mechanism to their sensory processing disorder not an intentional bad behavior.
Promoting good rest, taking in consideration routines as we saw previously, at bedtime to help them adapt and facilitate rest. A good sleep allows for a better emotional regulation during the day, disposition to learn as well as it promotes their growth.
