"Many parents will soon be dropping their kids off at school for the first time. Parents often ask us, “How do I help my child feel less anxious about going to preschool, school, daycare, or the babysitter?” Each child responds differently as they venture into the outside world and some separation anxiety is normal and healthy. Here are some tips for helping parents ease their child’s separation anxiety.
Remain Calm and Reassuring
Remember that kids take their emotional cues from the adults around them. The calmer and more business-like that we act, the easier it’ll be for our kids. Strangely, the more we talk with our little ones about how much fun they are going to have, the more anxiety they seem to have. It’s as though they are thinking, “If my parents have to tell me this is going to be okay, maybe it won’t!”
Keep It Short and Sweet
It’s best to say your goodbyes quickly. The faster you move, the faster your child will calm down after you leave.
Don’t Look Back
Although it’s difficult to resist the urge to go back and comfort your child, he or she will calm down much faster if you keep going and don’t look back.
Generally speaking, young kids who feel very secure when they are with their parents are also the ones who feel the most secure when they are away from their parents. A large part of providing this security involves combining big doses of love with solid, enforceable limits..
