The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time. We take our children shopping and buy new school supplies and brand new clothes. We are excited and expect that our children are as well. But with that excitement can come worry about the unknowns. Who is my teacher? Will she be nice? Will the other students be kind? When do I eat lunch? Where do I eat? All of the worries can lead to anxiety.
Young children with anxiety about the school year may have difficulty separating from you the parent during first few days or weeks of school. Just remember in almost all cases it is a short term problem! What should you do? Not to worry, there are many things you can do to help alleviate the issue. First, allow your child to have his/her feelings. Reassure your child that it is okay to worry or even be a little scared. Teach them that those are normal feelings and we all have those feelings from time to time.
Allow your child to have a small item to keep in his/her pocket that can be used to "connect" to you. This item must be something that they can keep out of sight but can touch and get comfort from. When my daughter went to kindergarten she was a little anxious about all the changes. I gave her a little heart shaped charm to wear on a necklace that was mine. I told her anytime she was worried or scared to rub the charm. I told her that when she rubbed the charm remember that I was thinking about her and was wishing her well even when she could not see me. If this is something you decide to do begin to discuss it even days before the first day of school.
Even with the best preparation dropping your child off for the first few times may be difficult. Just remember, it will be okay. I would suggest not arriving to the school too early. The longer you and your child are waiting at the school to say goodbye the more traumatic it may be for both of you. And when the time comes to say your goodbyes, reassure your child, give him/her some love and then leave. Keep in mind, usually the school counselor will be roaming the halls and looking for parents and children struggling with the initial separation. He/she will be more than will to help if you need it. Also, don't hesitate to ask.
Also, if the separation has been rough, feel free to stop by the main office and leave your child's name and your name and phone number. I know I am always more than will to call parents and let them know how it is going. Usually, as soon as you are out of the building your child will calm down and begin to enjoy his/her day.
Even if the first few days or weeks are rough it will get better! Repeat the same drop off pattern day after day and I can assure you that it will get easier for you and your child. It won't be long before your child will work through the worries and anxieties and won't be able to wait to leave you. And that is another issue!
Young children with anxiety about the school year may have difficulty separating from you the parent during first few days or weeks of school. Just remember in almost all cases it is a short term problem! What should you do? Not to worry, there are many things you can do to help alleviate the issue. First, allow your child to have his/her feelings. Reassure your child that it is okay to worry or even be a little scared. Teach them that those are normal feelings and we all have those feelings from time to time.
Allow your child to have a small item to keep in his/her pocket that can be used to "connect" to you. This item must be something that they can keep out of sight but can touch and get comfort from. When my daughter went to kindergarten she was a little anxious about all the changes. I gave her a little heart shaped charm to wear on a necklace that was mine. I told her anytime she was worried or scared to rub the charm. I told her that when she rubbed the charm remember that I was thinking about her and was wishing her well even when she could not see me. If this is something you decide to do begin to discuss it even days before the first day of school.
Even with the best preparation dropping your child off for the first few times may be difficult. Just remember, it will be okay. I would suggest not arriving to the school too early. The longer you and your child are waiting at the school to say goodbye the more traumatic it may be for both of you. And when the time comes to say your goodbyes, reassure your child, give him/her some love and then leave. Keep in mind, usually the school counselor will be roaming the halls and looking for parents and children struggling with the initial separation. He/she will be more than will to help if you need it. Also, don't hesitate to ask.
Also, if the separation has been rough, feel free to stop by the main office and leave your child's name and your name and phone number. I know I am always more than will to call parents and let them know how it is going. Usually, as soon as you are out of the building your child will calm down and begin to enjoy his/her day.
Even if the first few days or weeks are rough it will get better! Repeat the same drop off pattern day after day and I can assure you that it will get easier for you and your child. It won't be long before your child will work through the worries and anxieties and won't be able to wait to leave you. And that is another issue!