5 Useful Tools for Navigating Separation Anxiety

Welcome to a new school year woohoo! It’s time for you and your little one to be ready to separate at preschool (or daycare). Keep in mind that you are not separating, so much as gaining new experiences which will eventually give you more to share as you grow together.

If this is a new experience for you, don’t stress! We are the support that can allow you to feel confident in facing this transition. We know that you feel Roots & Wings is a nurturing, safe place for your child and if you show this confidence, they will soon realize it too.

We are professionally trained to introduce your child to this new experience; they will be comforted and directed to an activity that helps make them feel a part of the group.

Here are 5 tools you can use today to help prepare your youngster for this exciting new experience:

1. Be Excited! – Talk to your child in a positive, enthusiastic way about the fact that soon they will go to school or daycare while you are at home/work.
2. Talk About Us – Mention their director/directress’ name often. Help them to understand that we will care for them lovingly while you are gone, and that if they need anything they can talk come to us directly.
3. Reassure Your Child – Tell them that you will always come back to pick them up. Your child should realize that you are firm in your decision to take them to school or daycare.
4. Participate in Preparation – Allow them to participate in choosing snacks and preparing clothes each day.
5. Acknowledge Their Growth – Try and grant a grown-up privilege at home to coincide with the grown-up experience of starting school.

Your Child’s Introduction to Roots & Wings

The first day you come to preschool (or daycare), appear confident, expect them to stay happily, and reassure them that you will pick him or her up in a little while. Then, please don’t hesitate or linger. A hug and kiss, say good-bye and leave. Don’t ask them if they’re OK and don’t be upset if they cry. We are professionally trained to introduce your child to this new experience; they will be comforted and directed to an activity that helps make them feel a part of the group. Although you should never try to sneak away, your entering the classroom can delay this adjustment.

In most cases, they become comfortable within a few minutes.

Our new little ones stay for an hour per day until they are settled. In most cases, they become comfortable within a few minutes. If your child seems to really feel frightened and abandoned, we’ll call you before the hour is up. Feel free to call us if you are worried.

Mastering the Separation

If your child has not had much experience away from you, separation may take time. If you are patient and take some time to implement our suggestions here, we are confident you’ll be successful in this transition. Who knows? You might even look forward to each new day at Roots & Wings 😉

• The Roots & Wings Team