toddler difficulty in transitioning from one thing to another at ALL times aaargh!!

[greenshoot19]

So I'm sure its very normal, but dd (2.5) is proving more and more difficult when trying to move from one thing to another, especially if it means her fun as to end e.g. leaving a friends house to go home, but even when the the next thing we will be doing she knows she will enjoy e.g. playing at home to going out to the park (she just refuses to get her coat and shoes on), I'm pretty sure its because she is particularly strong willed and never likes being told what to do when, but I do always try and manage her expectations and give her plenty of warning etc. etc. Anyone got any tips on how to avoid mini meltdowns at these times or is a case of ride it out?? thanks

I had the same issue, we started giving our DD (2.3yrs) warnings and if they don't work (which is often) then we count to 5 and she knows that if we get to 5 then we will put her shoes on for her etc... It work quite well and she tends to have started the task, before we get to 5. It also means that if we do get to 5 she knows what's coming and is more compliant in allowing us to do the task IYSWIM. Hope that helps!

thanks dairymilk27, we too do the countdown from 5, it worked a bit at first, but now as soon as I start the countdown she tries to opt out of it by running to the nearest person (or me) for a hug as if somehow that means the countdown is nulified!! They sure like to keep us on their toes...