Share:

Early childhood education or preschool programs help foster a love of school and learning in children at a young age. In addition to the academic benefits of a preschool curriculum, attending teaches children important social skills, such as sharing and respect for others. But while you may be enthusiastic about signing your little one up, they may have a difficult time adjusting to being away from you for the day. 

Listed below are a few tips for helping your preschooler cope with their separation anxiety.

4 Ways to Help Your Preschooler Cope With Separation Anxiety

1. Do Not Sneak Away

During the first days of preschool, many parents sneak away while their kids are distracted to minimize a difficult goodbye. However, failing to say farewell to your child may be even more traumatic for them. At such a young age, kids have no concept of permanence, and if you do not tell them you are leaving (and returning), they may feel angry or abandoned. Always say goodbye to your little one, even if they cry when you leave. 

2. Establish a Goodbye Routine

preschoolCreating a goodbye routine helps your child to understand that although you are leaving, you will come back, just as you have many times before. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. You can choose to call each other a nickname before you go, perform a secret handshake, or simply share a long hug.

3. Stay Strong

Although becoming a preschooler is a huge milestone, it is important to remember your child is still a toddler. This may mean drop-off during the first couple of weeks of preschool could result in a full-on temper tantrum. If this occurs, stay strong. In a calm tone, tell your child that despite their tantrum, they will go to school, and you will return in the afternoon. After a few tries, they will abandon their tantrums and look forward to going to school.

4. Always Frame School in Positive Terms

Preschool should always be spoken about and framed in a positive way. Children should be told they are going to spend time with their classmates, learn, and play. If preschool is treated as someplace unpleasant where you go if you misbehave, your little one will be even more unwilling to go each morning.

 

If you are in the Palisades Park, NJ, area and need a quality preschool for your child, contact Les Enfants Preschool. Students here spend their days learning in a fun and interactive environment. To sign your little one up for classes, call (201) 592-6695. For more information on their other programs, including their summer camp , visit them online

tracking