When your child starts school, they are bound to experience some separation anxiety (as well as their parents!) They are accustomed to spending most of their time with their parents, and going to school is one of the first environments where they are forced to part with them.
While the transition can be difficult and school drop-offs can result in lots of tears, there are certain steps parents can take to ensure that their child’s separation anxiety will improve.
Visit The School Together
Taking a visit to the school before your child starts can put their minds at ease by showing them it is not nearly as scary as they are likely imagining. Give them the opportunity to meet their teachers, see their classroom, and where they will be eating lunch.
This familiarizes them with the environment and can greatly reduce anxiety when they start school.
Practice Separations Before School Starts
To get your child used to being separated from you, practice brief periods of separation by leaving them in the care of relatives or babysitters. You can start with short intervals such as a half hour or 45 minutes and work your way up to a couple of hours or maybe even equivalent to how long your child’s school day will be.
Talk About The School Day
Your child may be imagining worst-case scenarios about going to school, which only worsens their anxiety. You can help them by talking with them about your own positive school experiences, your favorite teachers, and your best memories with your peers in the classroom.
After their first day of school, ask them open-ended questions to reinforce these positive experiences and help them process their emotions.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
Make sure your child knows that feelings of anxiety before starting school are completely normal. Assure them that their classmates and even their teachers experience nerves and that their feelings are valid.
While validating their anxiety, also assure your children that everything will be okay and that you will be reunited in just a few hours.
At Harbor Child Care, we know just how challenging the school transition can be for both parents and children to adjust to. For more helpful information, contact us today at (516) 493-9830.
