Separation Anxiety

Separating from a parent or caregiver can be difficult for some children. Here are a few pointers to help ease the separation process.

• Reassure your child that you will always come back to get him or her from school. 
• Always say good-bye to your child to let them know you are leaving, but you will be back soon to pick him or her up.  This helps to build trust into your relationship with your child.
• Your good-bye should not be a long drawn out process.  Only stay a few minutes and then give your child a hug and kiss good-bye.  Reassure your child that his or her teacher is there to help.  The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave and the harder it is for your child to adjust.
• Your child may cry and protest at your exit, but be assured that your child’s crying will usually stop within a few minutes. The teachers are there to comfort the children and quickly engage them in activities.
• Be positive with your child when you talk about school.
  

Read All About It

Here are a few recommended books on separation to read to your child:

1.       The Kissing Hand  - by Audrey Penn

2.       Mommy In My Pocket – by Carol Hunt Senderak

Getting Ready For School

Transitioning from the more relaxed days of summer to the much busier fall school schedule can go smoothly if you keep these things in mind:

Plan Ahead

Begin transitioning to the new schedule a couple of weeks before school starts. 

• Be sure your child goes to bed earlier and gets the proper amount of sleep.  A well rested child will help the process go more smoothly. 

• Begin talking to your child about school and all the fun they will have there.  Mention some activities you know your child enjoys.  For example, you might say, “Your teacher said you can paint every day at school,” or, “They have so many different kinds of blocks at school, I know you will have so much fun building with friends.” 

• Remember to be positive and encouraging.  Your child will take his or her cues from you.  If you are upbeat and excited about school that will help your child to be excited as well.

Getting to Know You

Our Hello visits give the children the opportunity to visit the school for a short period of time, meet the teachers, and familiarize themselves with their classrooms.  Also, our staggered day schedule helps children to gradually adjust to school, building up to a regular day.

Remember, every child reacts differently to beginning school.  We need to be sensitive to the reaction of each child and supportive of his or her needs.  It is important to communicate with your child’s teachers, especially if you feel your child may have some difficulty settling in to school.  Together, you can make a plan to ease the transition.

Read All About It

Reading books about beginning school will help to prepare your child for this new experience.  A few suggestions are:

1.     Friends At School – by Rochelle Burnett

2.     Will I Have A Friend?  - by Miriam Cohen

3.     Going To School - by Anne Civardi