For some children, transitioning from one caregiver to the other is a seamless process. For others, the process can be confusing and distressing. However, an age-appropriate reminder of the absent caregiver can help ease the burden of separation.
By engaging familiar smells, textures, sounds, and tastes, transitional objects are intended to provide consistency and reassurance for children across their various caregiving contexts. They allow a child to remain connected to their parent, even in their absence, and are an easy, practical way of supporting smooth transitions.
The use of transitional objects is also effective more generally for neurodivergent children in allaying anxiety related to navigating new and unfamiliar environments.
Examples might include a spritz of Mum’s perfume on the child’s favourite stuffed animal, a recording of Dad reading a few chapters of a storybook, some of Mum’s special baked treats, a printed family photo, an item of clothing such as Dad’s favourite hat or shirt, and predictable communication with the absent caregiver.
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