There’s one thing that parents hate the most, and that’s watching their child experience pain, anxiety, or fear. All of these components are apparent when they have separation anxiety when attending school for the first time. While some parents might feel that it’s only their child that is afraid to go to school, it’s much more common than you think. Preschool is a time when they’re beginning to spread their social wings and spend a day without a parent or guardian for the very first time. It’s normal for a preschooler to experience some form of anxiety. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce anxiety and ease them into preschool. Here are some great tips for parents to help their child combat separation anxiety and help them feel more confident on their first day of school!

Prepare Them Ahead of Time

This may sound like an obvious tip, but some parents might refrain from talking about preschool before it starts because they fear that they might upset their child. But if it does spark some anxiety when preschool is discussed days or weeks before it starts, it gives you an opportunity to talk about it and prepare them. You can help them visualize all of the fun they’ll have in their new classroom with their new teacher. These are not conversations you want to have 10-minutes before preschool begins on a Monday morning. Give them time to become comfortable with the idea of preschool. Keep reminding them every day leading up to their first day. Share positive and fun stories of your own school experiences growing up. Help them become familiar with the idea of being independent. Make sure you do this over the weekend to prepare them for Monday morning.

Don’t Linger

When the time comes to drop your child off at preschool, it’s best not to linger or hang around for too long. A hug and a quick, positive, and loving send-off is great! However, hovering over them while they meet new friends or settle into their classroom can be a confusing message. Allow the teacher to bond and connect with them at this point. It’s also important to note that it’s not a great plan to leave without saying goodbye. This can make them feel lost and scared in a new space. Make your goodbyes meaningful but speedy.

Have a Ritual

Another way to reduce separation anxiety is to have some sort of ritual with them each morning. A special breakfast, a secret handshake, or even a morning stretch routine can help them remember that they have a steady schedule with mom and dad and with preschool. Rituals can make you feel grounded and ready for your day! It works the same way with a preschooler! It might also help to have something from home, like a small stuffed animal or blanket, that they can keep with them for rest time. If you’re interested in more tips on combating separation anxiety, talk to the experts at a preschool in Spring Hill, TN. The teachers and administrators at THE Children’s Academy are knowledgeable, compassionate, and prepared to make your child feel at home. Give them a call today to learn more about their facilities in Franklin, TN and Spring Hill, TN and preschool enrollment!