Parting with your child for the first few weeks of school can be nerve-wracking. Whether they’re joining a toddler care, preschool, or kindergarten program, you might not be used to being away from your young one for long. If they’re in tears and throwing a tantrum, your child may be going through separation anxiety. There are a few ways to make your departure easier on the both of you. Here are the do’s and don’ts of child care center drop-offs.

Do:

Prepare Them With a Talk

Don’t leave your child in the dark about school. A few weeks before preschool or kindergarten begins, have a sit-down conversation with them. Explain that during the week, they’ll be going to a fun new school to play with their friends and learn new things. As the first day approaches, continue to talk about the idea of going to school.

Acknowledge Their Fears

If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, simply ignoring their feelings will not fix the problem. It will only frustrate and upset them further. Being at a new preschool or kindergarten program surrounded by strangers is scary for young children, especially without the comfort of a parent. Understand their fears, let them express their emotions, and bring tissues for the tears.

Say Goodbye With a Smile

Put on a cheerful face when you’re leaving. Feel free to give plenty of hugs and kisses, but don’t mirror your child’s sadness or tears. This will make them believe there really is something to be afraid of after you go. Tell your little one that you love them, and that you’ll be back at the end of the day. Remind them that they’re going to have fun!

Don’t:

Sneak Away

It will scare your child to quickly leave while they’re not looking. It may be difficult watching your child cry and scream about your departure, but you need to reassure them. If they think they’re being abandoned, you disappearing after dropping them off will only strengthen that fear. Keep your goodbyes brief, but don’t sneak out on them.

Criticize Their Behavior

Separation anxiety is not something that can be scolded away. Don’t admonish or criticize your child for the way they’re acting, because this will only add on to their fears and sadness. You shouldn’t compare them to other children at the kindergarten or preschool program, either. Some handle separation differently than others, and praising other children while your child is upset will make them feel worse.

At Northwest Children’s Center of Cromwell, CT, families are offered visits so that children can make an easier transition to school. Children are given a hands-on education in a compassionate environment. Their degreed teachers are child care experts, so they know the proper way to handle separation anxiety in children. Your child will be learning and having fun alongside their peers. Visit them online to learn more about their kindergarten, toddler, and preschool programs. Call (860) 635-3485 for enrollment information.