Parents can find the first day of preschool nerve-wracking. If you find yourself and your child getting anxious, please know that what you're experiencing is completely natural. At Kids Konnect, we understand how emotional the transition can be and we are here for you through the transition of starting a new school.
The first day of preschool is often the first time you will have to leave your little one for an extended period of time. We have seen many young children struggle to leave their parents and many parents struggle to leave their children.
Separation anxiety in infants is common. Infants and toddlers may get clingy and cry when you leave them, even for a short amount of time. Infant separation anxiety age starts between 6 months and 3 years — it is a normal part of your child’s development and they will quickly learn to emotionally regulate how they feel when going to school.
But, we understand that this can be stressful for parents, especially if this is your first experience separating from your child. Their first day at preschool could be your first steps into a new parenting frontier.
Here are some practical tips to help you and your child handle separation anxiety on your first day at preschool.
What Causes Separation Anxiety In Infants?
Separation anxiety may strike the calmest of infants or toddlers. One moment, they’re absolutely fine being left alone. Next, they think you're leaving forever.
This change confuses parents. However, it is all down to learning healthy child developmental skills. Separation anxiety is a sign that your child doesn't understand what is happening to them, and they are confused and anxious about being left by themselves. They haven't learned how to emotionally regulate their feelings and make connections that you will return to pick them up.
As children grow more aware of their surroundings, they form a strong attachment to their teachers and peers. This growing awareness can help them create a stronger sense of expectations, transitions and emotional regulation in new situations.
How to Handle Separation Anxiety at Preschool
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Separation anxiety shouldn’t stop you from leaving your child or going to work, but it can make it difficult to leave your child at preschool.
But remember, separation anxiety is completely natural. There is no reason to feel guilty when you need to get on with other parts of your life. Separation anxiety is a sign of how well you have bonded with them.
So what do you need to do? You need to help your little one understand and deal with their feelings so that they feel more secure. By leaving them at Kids Konnect, you will be teaching them that they will be OK when you leave them and that you will come back.
If your child is old enough, you can talk to them about where you’re going, why you’re going and when you will be back.
Soon, your child will learn how to cope without you. This a great step towards their independence.
Preschool Separation Anxiety Tips For Parents
Kids Konnect has worked with young children for almost 20 years. Over that time, teachers have become more qualified and have the skills to handle infant or toddler separation anxiety. They know these tips will help you.
1. Practice Short Separations From Your Infant
When you notice the onset of separation anxiety, start leaving your child in someone else’s care for small periods of time. Small trips like going to the store or going for a short run are perfect. Leave your child with someone they know well so they feel comfortable. As you move closer to your preschool start date, start to go on longer trips.
2. Talk to Your Little One About What You Will Do Later
When you leave your child, tell them about what you will do when you come back. This will give them something to look forward to when you return and creates consistency and expectations for the day. Always follow through on promises so they can grow confident in your words that you’ll be back. When you drop them off at preschool, say something like: “Mommy will pick you up after nap time.”
3. Create a Consistent Morning Routine
This can help your child immensely in getting use to the morning routines on school days, help ease anxiety about new changes, and practice getting through morning schedules. Show them the way to school and things that you see on your drive or walk to school, so they know where they are going and it’ll help build excitement.
4. Smile When You Drop Them Off
Saying goodbye can be distressing, however saying goodbye confidently and smiling can lead your child to feel comfortable and secure in their classroom. Once inside your chosen Kids Konnect preschool, your child will be smiling and having fun with their peers in no time.
By saying goodbye confidently and positively, you are showcasing to your child that you trust the school and teachers, and are excited for their day and that they should follow along. Giving your infant a positive goodbye and reunion teaches them an important life lesson. They quickly learn they can be independent and OK without their main care giver.
They will also learn and accept that their world is bigger than they knew.
If Separation Anxiety in Preschool Continues
Separation anxiety is normal and it can take a child on average 2 weeks to fully transition to a new environment. However, if your child remains anxious or in distress a long time after you have left them or their anxiety continues for longer than a few weeks, then it is time to talk your Kids Konnect teacher to see how we can better support your family. Kids Konnect will help support you and your family with separation anxiety by developing an action plan to help guide your little one through their feelings of separation anxiety.
If you want to know more about Kids Konnect Infant Care and Preschools in the Bay Area or you are looking for an infant care and preschool specialist, book a tour of Kids Konnect today.
