If preschool is in your little one’s future, it’s normal for both of you to feel separation anxiety. However, the right preparations and routines ease worries and contribute to fewer tears. Review tips for streamlining the process here to help your child have better days at school.

How Can Preschool Drop-offs Be Simple?

1. Start Talking

Prepare your preschooler for their first day by talking about it regularly. Start three weeks to a month before preschool starts and emphasize the fun things it involves, such as playground time, arts and crafts, singalongs, making new friends, and enjoying healthy snacks. Talk about how you will drop the young one off at school and be there to pick them up every day. Maintain an enthusiastic tone throughout each discussion to promote excitement in your child instead of nervousness. 

2. Bring a Toy 

Allow the “big kid” to bring a favorite item from home so they have something familiar to enjoy during school. Plush and plastic toys, dolls, and small blankets all work well. Label the item in case it gets left somewhere. Let your child take the product to school as long as they wish and eventually they might want to leave it home, indicating a sense of security.

3. Be Consistent

Keep drop-offs brief since staying too long can confuse the little one and cause further crying and clinging. Create a “goodbye ritual” that helps your child settle in, such as giving a big hug and kiss, and saying “I love you and I will be back later” before leaving. Other rituals can also facilitate calmness, such as picking out a chair for the child to sit in prior to the morning singalong.

4. Provide Notes

Give your child something to look forward to by adding special notes to their lunchbox every day. Since preschool-age children are starting to learn the alphabet and generally cannot read full sentences, use imagery instead, such as a drawing of a red heart or a picture of a favorite animal. Reminders let your child know you are not too far away. 

If you are still looking for the right preschool, contact Cherokee Academy at Clayton. Based in Canton, GA, the family-owned early childhood education center also offers before and after-school programs, summer camps, and infant daycare. Call (770) 479-4404 today with enrollment questions or learn more about childcare services online. Like the Facebook page for the latest updates.