Children can easily become not a fan of leaving their homes and going off to kindergarten. It is natural for them to experience separation anxiety. However, if children display intensive weeks of separation anxiousness through aggressive crying, anger tantrums and severe clinginess they might be developing separation anxiety disorder. There is no schedule and timeline dictating when a child will outgrow this disorder, it can vary from one individual child to another.
While understanding coping strategies to relieve a child’s fear, it is important to note that they can experience an extension or reoccurrence of separation anxiety that can last for months. However, nothing is more effective than the right attitude to increase your baby’s confidence. Some childcare programs are designed to accommodate parents and children to cope with separation anxiety, for example early learning centre Hurstville. But if you keep finding it a challenge, look up these tips to help your kid navigate in playgrounds and hallways alone.
- Goodbye Rituals
Form new drop off rituals that can help your child look forward to goodbyes. It can be a Major League Baseball inspired handshakes or cute cheek kisses. By sharing short and sweet goodbye routines, you can help children feel better during the separation period. Moreover, keep the routine short and consistent. Avoid any unexpected adjustments will help condition your child to bid goodbye in a positive manner. Such a habit can help overcome separation heartache and allow to form a fun bond between parents and children.
- Timely Exposure to School
There is a reason why parents promote pre-kindergarten playdates or early planned visits to school. The experience can ease into the forthcoming days. It helps the child to visualize a situation where he/she needs to independent, making the actual time a less scary and tense. Timely exposure can help ease the separation anxiousness.
Examples of friendly exposures include practice walks to the bus stop if they are going to ride the school bus. Or if you prefer walking and driving your kid to school, take extra drives/walks on the same route to school to normalize the trip. You can also create an air of excitement for them by brainstorming outfits for the week or discussing school lunch box menu.
- Mentally Prepare for School
Explain the schedule or routine of a preschool and school to them. Keep the conversation on facts, like the games he/she can expect to play. Remember to never overhype school and make promises that are not in your control, for example how he/she would easily make new friends. If the kid experiences school different from what you told them, they can feel more scared. Reiterate how long the school will last every day and that you would be there to pick them up when it does end.
Furthermore, remember to keep a positive mindset. Children read you like a mirror, so be calm and confident about setting them off to school. Motivate them with causal positive conversations if you sense a bit of anxiousness on their end. Reassure yourself that they would be okay in school and that confidence will rub off very quickly on the children too.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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