"Don't leave me! NO! Please! Mommy! Mommy, don’t go!”
Sound familiar? Separation anxiety is a normal part of
child development. Babies and toddlers will often scream when it is time for
Mommy or Daddy to hand them off to the caregiver, even if it is a familiar
routine. It is also normal for preschoolers or young school age children
to become tearful or clingy when starting a new school or returning after a
break.
Seeing their child so upset often results in a very
guilty and stressed out parent. Many parents make the separation even more
upsetting to their child without realizing it. I have worked with young
children and families for over 20 years and have witnessed thousands (maybe
millions!) of drop offs.
READ MORE: Parents can also be preschool teachers
Here are some tips for making drop off less stressful for
everyone:
1. Build familiarity. Bring your child to the facility before their first
day. Let them see the caregivers or teachers, other children, play areas
and materials. Arrange for them to visit several times, if possible, with
the duration increasing slightly with each visit.
2. Tell your child
what to expect. Let your child know where you’ll be while you’re away and
when you’ll be back. Make sure they know who will be looking after them. Walk them through the day, for example, “After I walk you
to your class room I am going to go to work. I packed you ham and cheese for
lunch today! After nap, you’ll go on the playground and I’ll be back to pick
you up at 3.”
3. Don’t sneak out. I’ve seen many parents wait until their child looks away
and then rush out the door without a goodbye. When the child realizes this,
they often become even more upset than they were originally and it takes longer
to calm them down. Let your child know you’re leaving instead of sneaking away.
READ MORE: Is your preschooler acting out?
4. Be quick. Don’t prolong the goodbye. This doesn’t mean you should push
them out of the car and drive off either! Establish a routine, such as you
leave after you help your child hang up their backpack. Then give them a
cheerful hug, kiss and goodbye and head out.
5. Keep going. Say goodbye and then go. Tara, a mom of three, says,
“I was a mess when I first sent my oldest child to daycare. I would listen
outside the door and if she was still crying after thirty seconds, I headed
right back in to comfort her. We’d do this half a dozen times or more some
mornings. After several months, the director urged me to wait longer. She
stood with me and urged me to be patient. My daughter screamed for three
minutes and stopped. I continued listening at the door and the crying decreased
to mere seconds — if she cried at all!”
6. Call to check in. If you’re worried, call or email the caregiver, director
or teacher to check on your child.
READ MORE: Is your preschooler ready for kindergarten?
7. Return on time. When you come back when you say you will, your child will
begin to understand that you’ll always return to them. If you’re going to be
late, call the facility and emphasis that the message be explained to your
child.
8. Stay calm. Your child senses when you’re upset. If you are feeling
guilty, frustrated or sad, they will feed off of your emotions. Stay calm and
upbeat at both drop off and pick up times.
READ MORE: Why comfort objects work for kids
9. Rinse and repeat. Stay consistent. Routines help children feel safe. Try to
stick to the same schedule every morning.
10. Be patient. Don’t throw in the towel if your child is still crying
after a week. If you are happy with everything else about the caregiver or
school, give it some time. It can take several weeks for a child to adjust to a
new situation.
Rachael Moshman is
a mom, freelance writer, educator and family advocate.