Every parent has been there: you’re leaving your little one, and here come the tears. At The Learning Tree in Livermore, we try to transition children quickly into our day together so that they can move past any separation anxiety. There are also a few tips that parents can keep in mind to make heading out the door a bit easier.
Keep your goodbyes short, but do say goodbye
The more the act of leaving drags out, the tougher it is on you and your child. A cheery “See you later!” and a fast departure will actually help ease your child’s transition. Don’t be tempted to sneak away while they aren’t looking, however. That can also cause unnecessary upset.
Practice separation
If you haven’t separated frequently from your child before, it might be a good idea to have your child meet a new teacher or caregiver beforehand. It will probably make your first long separation a little easier.
You can also prepare your toddler or preschooler for what is going to happen, and even practice what you’ll do. For instance, you and your child can talk about when you’ll be leaving, who will be staying with them, what they’ll do together, and how you’ll say goodbye (see more about having a ritual below).
Have a ritual or routine
Kids love to know what to expect. Developing a routine for separations can comfort your child. Maybe it’s just having an order to the way things happen at the drop-off (e.g., unpack the bag together, hang up the jacket, give a hug and a kiss, etc.), or maybe it’s a special phrase you say to each other when you part (a la “See you later, alligator!”). Find what works best for the both of you.
Remind the kids when you’ll return
Telling children when you’ll be back can help ease their anxiety and give them something to look forward to during your time away. Remember that young children don’t necessarily understand the concept of time, so if possible, use an event as a marker (e.g., You’ll return after nap, snack time, circle time, etc.).
Your childcare team at The Learning Tree is here to help, so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. If you haven’t had the chance to check our preschool, be sure to contact us today to schedule a visit!
