Moving from a favourite game to the door, bath, or bedtime is not a test of obedience. At this age, children are shifting from something highly engaging to something less exciting, and often need a calm adult to help them do that.
Build a bridge, not a surprise
Give a short cue: “Two more minutes, then we put on shoes.” Return with one steady sentence: “It is shoe time. Do you want the blue pair or the white pair?” The choice sits inside the clear limit; it is not a negotiation about whether to leave.
When resistance grows
Pause before replying. Name what you see: “You wanted another turn. Stopping is hard.” Then keep the boundary calm: “We are leaving now. You can carry the small car to the door.” If tears continue, help the child move without a long lecture.
Today’s next step
Choose one difficult transition this week and write three consistent lines: a cue, a small choice, and a clear limit. Repeat them for several days before judging the routine.