How to Help Your Child with Anxiety About Preschool
The first day of preschool can be an emotional rollercoaster for both you and your little one. As they begin their journey of learning, many children experience separation anxiety. This can make goodbyes at the classroom door a tearful experience. In this blog, I'll discuss practical strategies on how to help a child with anxiety about preschool so both of you can manage the transition with greater ease.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
First and foremost, acknowledge your child's feelings. Let them know that feeling nervous or sad about starting preschool is absolutely normal. Share stories of your own first-day experiences to let them know that it's okay to have mixed emotions.
Gradual Exposure
Before the first day of preschool, consider exposing your child to the school’s surroundings. If possible, go to the school playground or attend school events together. This way, your child will become familiar with the environment and may feel less overwhelmed on the first day of school.
Practice Brief Separations
Before preschool begins, consider practicing brief separations with your child in familiar settings. Leave them with a trusted family member or friend for short periods, so they can experience being without you briefly and be reassured that you always come back. This helps build their coping skills for when you’re not with them during the school day and can really help your child with anxiety when the time comes to start preschool.
Develop a Goodbye Ritual
Create a special goodbye ritual. This could be a secret handshake, a special phrase, or a loving hug. Having a routine can offer comfort and assure your child that you’re thinking of them and will be back to pick them up. Drawing a small image on their wrist or giving them a special item from you to carry in their pocket throughout the day can provide an emotional connection to you, throughout the day, when they miss you.
Stay Positive and Calm
As difficult as it may be, do your best to stay positive and calm during drop-offs. Children pick up on their parents' emotions, so if you look worried or sad, it could increase their feelings of separation anxiety. The kindest thing you can do for your child is put on a brave face and project confidence in the moment. You can always fall apart in your car or on your walk home!
Brief Goodbyes
Keep your goodbyes brief and reassuring. Long, drawn out farewells can make the situation more challenging for both of you. Offer a warm hug, give them your love, and let them know you'll see them soon.
Be On Time
Being punctual when picking up your child is key. When they see you arriving on time to pick them up, it reinforces the trust that you'll always come back as promised and can help calm their anxiety each day.
Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher
Establish good communication with your child's teacher. Share any concerns or information about your child's separation anxiety, so the teacher can offer extra support and reassurance during school hours.
Be Patient and Consistent
Remember that every child's adjustment period to school is different. Be patient and consistent during this transition. With time, most children adapt to the new routine and build strong connections with their teachers and classmates.
Starting preschool can be an emotional time for both parents and children, especially when kids experience separation anxiety. When we acknowledge their feelings, gradually expose our kids to the school environment, and practice brief separations, we help ease their anxiety and build their confidence. Creating reassuring goodbye rituals and staying positive during drop-offs also ease your child’s transition into the school day. And remember, patience and open communication with the teacher play a vital role in helping your preschooler overcome separation anxiety. If you need more ideas on how to help a child with anxiety about preschool, learn more about my parent child relationship therapy services and see how I can help.
