In one embodiment, a particular node joins a directed acyclic graph (DAG) in a computer network at a parent node, and determines its grade based on a topology of the DAG, the grade lower than the parent node and higher than any child nodes of the particular node. In response to detecting a trigger for a routing change in the DAG, the particular node delays the routing change based on the grade such that the delay is longer than a first associated delay of any of the child nodes and shorter than a second associated delay of the parent node. Upon expiration of the delay, the particular node may determine if the trigger for the routing change is still valid, and if valid, performs the routing change.