It's natural for your young child to feel anxious when you say goodbye as you are dropping them off for their first day of school. Although it can be difficult, separation anxiety is a normal stage of development. With understanding and these coping strategies, separation anxiety can be relieved—and should fade as your child gets older.
In early childhood, crying, tantrums, or clinginess are healthy reactions to separation. Separation anxiety can begin before a child’s first birthday, and may pop up again or last until a child is four years old, but both the intensity level and timing of separation anxiety vary tremendously from child to child. A little worry over leaving mom or dad is normal, even when your child is older. You can ease your child’s separation anxiety by staying patient and consistent, and by gently but firmly setting limits.
For children with separation anxiety, there are steps you can take to make the process of separation anxiety easier.
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- Practice separation. Leave your child at school for brief periods and short distances at first. This is why with our program we offer "discovery days" which allows your child to experience our preschool programs by introducing them to their classroom slowly.
- Schedule separations after naps or feedings. Babies are more susceptible to separation anxiety when they’re tired or hungry.
- Develop a “goodbye” ritual. Rituals are reassuring and can be as simple as a special wave through the window or a goodbye kiss.
- Make new surroundings familiar. When your child is at school, let him or her bring a familiar object. Share valuable information with the teacher about their likes and dislikes so we can have their favorite things on hand!
- Have a consistent teacher. We pride ourselves on having consistent teaching staff without turnover. Before your child begins school introduce him/her to their teacher and classmates if possible.
- Leave without fanfare. Tell your child you are leaving and that you will return, then go—don’t stall.
- Minimize scary television. Your child is less likely to be fearful if the shows you watch are not frightening.
- Try not to give in. Reassure your child that he or she will be just fine—setting limits will help the adjustment to separation.
