Without a doubt, one of the biggest hurdles parents and children struggle with when starting daycare is separation anxiety. Your child’s crying, screaming, and pleading can be intense and overwhelming.
Separation anxiety is a completely normal developmental milestone for your child–but that doesn’t make it easy to handle! Sometimes, even parents can experience separation anxiety, especially if their child throws a tantrum at dropoff.
Neither you nor your child wants to experience separation anxiety, so how can you help your child overcome their fears and have an uneventful dropoff? Here are 5 tips that parents find helpful.
Build Independence At Home
Parents have to be careful not to rob their children of the opportunity to learn independence at a young age. When a child feels successful at being independent at home, they will naturally feel confident about being successful in daycare. They know they don’t have to rely on their parents to take care of them; they can take care of themselves!
Fostering independence can start even in infancy. For instance, during playtime, you can perform a task and then say “Molly’s turn!” or “Molly do it!” At first, help your child complete the task, but you’ll soon find this fun game can help them realize they can play independently.
For toddlers and young children, plan for extra time for them to accomplish tasks on their own. Let them pick out their clothes and dress themselves, serve their own meals, and perform simple tasks like putting silverware in the dishwasher. Be sure to verbally praise and reinforce their efforts.
Give a Security Object
Whether it’s a blanket, lovey, stuffed toy, or other object, a security toy will help your child feel calmer upon drop-off. A security object will help your child stay connected with you, even when they can’t see you.
Soft or fabric toys are generally the best security toys because they are easy to cuddle with. They even absorb your scent so that your child (especially babies, who often recognize their parents by scent rather than sight) can feel a connection to you.
Model a Calm Demeanor
Your child looks up to you in everything, and that includes how they should act during a drop-off. If they sense you are anxious, sad, frustrated, or annoyed, this will only heighten your child’s anxiety and the intensity of an ensuing tantrum.
Resolve to be a calm, confident, caring parent at drop off.
Don’t Belabor the Drop-off
Give hugs and kisses, but don’t belabor drop off; it’s not good for you or your child. Then, it’s ok to leave! Your child may cry, but this shouldn’t deter you from leaving. You shouldn’t feel guilty or anxious.
It’s a paternal instinct to comfort our children when they are sad, but returning over and over again will only add to everyone’s frustration. It will take longer for your child to settle down because they think you will return if they just keep crying. Instead, be genuine in your affection, but keep your drop off short and sweet.
At Crestwood Preschool Academy, our staff are skilled in helping your child quickly acclimate to their classroom and have an excellent day!
Conclusion
Remember, separation anxiety is normal and even healthy. It shows your child loves you and feels secure and happy with you.
Separation anxiety is also temporary. The more you and your child practice, the easier drop-off will get. Your child will eventually learn that you do return, and you will eventually grow accustomed to temporary separation.
At Crestwood Preschool Academy, our teachers are skilled at helping children gain confidence and independence in their classrooms. They will help your child become comfortable in their new environment, ready to grow, and reach new milestones.