“For many children, preschool is the first experience being without the care of a close, trusted family member. It is normal, even expected, for your child to be scared and anxious,” says Kathryn Kennedy, director and lead Early Education teacher at Building Blocks Preschool. “When they are unable to verbalize those thoughts and emotions, the transition can be hard for both the child and the parent.”
So how can a parent help make their child’s transition to preschool a more positive experience? Here are some tips to help:
Easing into the start of preschool is essential for your child and yourself.
Schedule trips to the school in advance so your child can see the school, meet the teachers, and some of the other students (and parents).
Scheduling playdates with other children and parents before the start of school can also help develop relationships that make going to school easier for a child – and yourself.
Reading to your child about preschool and role-playing are also highly effective ways to help prepare your child for a strong, positive start to their preschool adventure.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson. This New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team tell a story about the first day of school from a school’s perspective.
Be positive. The big day has arrived, and the first thing to remember is to remain upbeat. Your child picks up on your emotions, and if you are positive, they will be too. But if you are emotional, your child may also become anxious and emotional, making the day difficult for both of you.
Let your child bring something from home to help ease possible separation anxiety. This can be a favorite doll or blanket – or it can be something unique and small that fits into a pocket like a “lucky penny.” The idea is that this item can help your child “stay in touch with home.”
Create your own “goodbye ritual” that brings comfort and familiarity to the start of the day. Also, remind them that you will be back later to pick them up and take them home. This is an essential element of this ritual: making sure you end by leaving rather than drawing out your goodbyes. The best “goodbye rituals” are short and sweet.
If you find yourself wanting to “drop by and surprise” your child, don’t. At least don’t do this until things have settled down and your child is showing they are comfortable at preschool. Then, keep surprise visits to a minimum so you can avoid your child returning the favor and always looking to surprise you at home.
Don’t compare your child’s behavior with others. It’s common for parents to point out that “Johnny doesn’t cry when his dad brings him to school.” Since you don’t know how Johnny acts later on in the day, you could be pointing out another student as an example of preferred behavior that acts out their separation anxiety in other ways over the day.
Have patience. Everyone, including your child, will have some days that are better than others. When those challenging days occur, stick with your routine for the sake of stability. Though it’s tough to leave your crying child behind, it’s part of their education, and the teachers are skilled at capturing your child’s attention and helping them focus on happier things they enjoy.
Maisy Goes to Preschool: A Maisy First Experience Book by Lucy Cousins.
“Cousin’s iconic character will have your preschooler eager for the big day.” —Working Mother Magazine
Karin A. Bilich, I. C. (n.d.). 18 tips for overcoming separation anxiety on the first day of preschool. Parents. Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/starting-preschool/separation-anxiety/overcoming-separation-anxiety/
Kerry Stutzman. (2022, January 6). Five ways to stop preschool drop off separation anxiety (yes, they really work!). Kerry Stutzman. Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://www.kerrystutzman.com/five-ways-to-stop-preschool-drop-off-separation-anxiety-yes-they-really-work/
EditorThis was made by the combined efforts of the Preschool Inspirations team! (2021, July 1). Handle separation anxiety in toddlers and preschoolers like a pro. Preschool Inspirations. Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://preschoolinspirations.com/separation-anxiety/
How to ease your child’s separation anxiety. HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Soothing-Your-Childs-Separation-Anxiety.aspx
