Tips on how to handle preschool drop-off
Some children will feel more afraid if you suddenly disappear, parents should never be ripped away abruptly from their child.
Despite the amount of preparation parents put in for their preschoolers, there will surely be mixed emotions and overwhelming nerves on their first day. Here’s how to make a drop-off a little easier:
• Create a goodbye ritual
Having a goodbye routine provides comfort and familiarity, so your child knows what’s to come.
This could be anything you and your child decide on, such as a special hug or handshake followed by a fun gesture.
Once you’ve said your goodbyes, it’s best to skedaddle so that your child doesn’t become preoccupied by your presence.
A long farewell scene might only serve to reinforce a child’s sense that preschool is a bad place.
• Don’t sneak away
Some children will feel more afraid if you suddenly disappear, parents should never be ripped away abruptly from their child.
It can take up to ten weeks for a child to fully be ready to be left at school without their parent.
The best way to handle the separation process is having the parent go to school and sit next to their child.
• Bring a comforting object
Have your child bring a little reminder of home to ease their separation anxiety, if they don’t have a favourite doll or blankie, even a beloved book or a cup filled with their favourite drink can do the trick.
Comfort objects may seem like small stuff to you, but they can provide a real sense of security to kids in an unfamiliar environment.
• Never make comparisons
The child who never cries when their parent leaves them may act out the scene over and over again during play to process his feelings.
Another child may need to cry at every separation for a while in order to work through his feelings.
