From here to there and the in‐between: Children's transitions between homes after parental separation

Abstract Two potentially important aspects of post‐separation parenting arrangements are the number and nature of children's transitions between homes. Yet scant empirical attention has been paid to the practical, emotional, and relational aspects of these. In this paper, we examine five contextual factors that shape how children and parents experience and interpret transitions: changeover locations, transition routines and rituals, transitional containers, transitional objects, and transitional people. In‐depth interviews were conducted with a non‐probability purposive sample of 40 separated parents (13 mothers, 27 fathers) recruited primarily through family and relationship support services. Two‐thirds of participants reported high levels of interparental conflict; 45% had shared‐time arrangements. While changeovers varied, some parents felt safer or more comfortable using public locations instead of homes. Parents used strategies like visual timetables, comfort items, and calming routines to support children's emotional wellbeing during transitions. Siblings and grandparents also provided key support and continuity. Aside from offering practical insights for family law system professionals, our findings also have implications for staff working in elementary schools, kindergartens, foster care, and child day‐care in supporting children's initial and ongoing transitions to and from these settings.