How Useful To Define What Is Meant By Transitions?

It is first useful to define what is meant by transitions.
According to Vogler et al (2008): transitions can be defined as “key events and/or processes occurring at specific periods or turning points during the life course.― They are generally linked to changes in a personâ€TMs appearance, activity, status, roles and relationships as well as changes of setting.
Common transitions include: puberty/entering adulthood, starting nursery or school, moving schools eg primary to secondary, moving class, starting college or training, entering voluntary or paid work. Some transitions may be unforeseen such as: death or serious illness of a family member, parental separation or divorce, going into hospital, moving house etc.
Family breakdown can
occur for many different reasons and it is not always wrong for a family to breakup, for example, where there is abuse or domestic violence. But, in the majority of cases, family breakdown has a negative impact on the children in the family and can affect any aspect of their development.
What was once a secure, stable unit becomes insecure and uncertain. Some children even blame themselves for the breakdown. A child or young person going through this transition may become withdrawn. An outgoing child may suddenly become introverted. They may not feel able to face the new challenges that being in an educational setting brings about on a daily basis. They may be physically affected and have stress induced conditions such as bedwetting, tummy aches, rashes etc. They may suffer emotionally because usually they have to live with just one parent and not see the other as much as they used to and this is something they have no control over. It can have a negative impact on their friendships because they feel different from their friends who are in traditional families.
Not all children become withdrawn due to parental separation but it is common. Some children react differently by being naughty and disruptive either at home or in school or both. This attention- seeking behaviour is really a cry for help and for positive input into their lives at a difficult time. Lives have and can be changed where just one significant adult in the childâ€TMs life sees their potential regardless of the behaviour they might be
displaying.
According to Kamen (2011): “Transition is a natural process and there are often positive effects. For example: increased levels of motivation, promoting development, educational progress, confidence, good health, improved self-esteem, increased independence and ability to form relationships. Successful transitions can lead to a positive self-image (including gender, sexuality and cultural identity) and result in emotionally healthy and resilient, children, young people and adults.
However, it is important for the significant adults in a child or young personâ€TMs life to minimise the negative effects of what may be a necessary but unwanted transition (eg parental separation).