Key Points
- Daycare separation anxiety is normal for young kids.
- Leave them with a “smile” on your face.
- Create a consistent routine for drop-offs.
- Give their favorite toy to make your child feel secure.
- Stay patient because your child will take time to adjust.
Introduction
We often hear from parents that children cry when left at daycare or school. This is a normal process, which we call separation anxiety.
Children feel upset when their parents leave them in a new environment. It happens during daycare drop-offs.
Some of them cry only on the first day. Some may cry every day for a few weeks. This is hard for the child and the parent. Parents start to feel guilty.
Do you know there are a few incredible ways to make it easier? We have got some expert tips. They will make your child feel better.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is the feeling of fear. It happens when a child is upset because they are away from their parents. This starts around 6 months old. Even if you start the daycare process later, it will happen. It remains until the child is 3 years or even longer.
You must know that it is normal for kids to feel this way. It’s not easy for parents, but still.
What’s Behind Separation Anxiety?
Kids are linked with parents and more specifically with the mother.. Since their birth, they have always seen their parents nearby. The parent-child bond is immensely strong.
They feel safe with their parents. If you leave them with someone new, the kids can feel nervous. It’s a new experience for them.
There are multiple reasons why children feel separation anxiety:
- Attachment: Children are close to their parents. A child will naturally feel safe around their parents.
- New Experience: Daycare is a new environment for your child. This is an unfamiliar space, so they may cry.
- Fear: Children feel terrified of things because they don’t know a lot. Daycare is new, so it can be scary.
- Goodbyes: Goodbyes are hard. If you do not wish them positively, it can make anxiety worse.
Daycare Drop-off Tips
Fortunately, we have a list of tips for easing separation anxiety in preschoolers. This will make the daycare or school drop-off easier.
1. Goodbye Routine
Set up a simple goodbye routine for the first day of daycare separation anxiety. Anything that’s a part of the routine means it’s alright. It is considered safe. You can give the kid a hug or a kiss. This consistent routine comforts your child and signals that everything is okay.
2. Keep Goodbyes Short
We know that it’s hard for parents as well. They cannot leave their child. However, the goodbyes should be short. If you stay longer, getting away gets even harder. You should not take too long to say goodbye.
Always say, “I love you and I’ll be back” to your child. You’ve got to smile so the kid knows everything is good.
3. Be Positive
People assume that kids don’t understand, but they can easily sense your emotions. They will feel upset when you cry. So, you have to be positive. Tell your child that they will have fun at daycare. If you are smiling, it gives them a positive perception.
4. Talk About Daycare
Talk about daycare in a positive way. Mention their favorite toys or friends. Tell them about the fun activities that kids do at a daycare. Children feel excited when they hear fun things. Kids will love to go there when you tell them they can play with fellows or eat their favorite snack.
5. Prepare the Night Before
It’s important to talk to your child about daycare the night before. Always tell them what will happen. Tell them that you will drop them off and pick them up soon. This can prepare their mind.
6. Practice Small Goodbyes
It’s a good idea to practice before the actual day. You can leave your kid with someone else for a short time. It should be someone from the family, like their uncle or aunt. Start by leaving them for a few minutes only.
Gradually, you can leave for a little longer. The child will become used to separation and will learn that you always come back.
7. Provide Comfort Items
As a parent, you would know what your child loves. Your little one may have a favorite toy or a specific snack. You should bring such things from home. You can give them a special blanket. It will make the child feel safe.
Tips for Parents to Manage Their Feelings
Parents also feel upset when they leave the kid at daycare. This is normal. Here are some tips for you:
1. Don’t Feel Guilty
We know that all parents will feel guilty. You don’t need to, as this decision is for the betterment of your kid. It does not mean that you don’t care. It means that you are ready to support the development of your child.
Daycare is a supportive environment. They know how to handle the emotions of children. Here, your child learns and grows. Separation anxiety is common at day care.. It will pass with time.
2. Look After Yourself
You must take care of your own emotions. A simple trick is to take a deep breath, spend a few minutes relaxing, or distract yourself in any other activity, like reading or listening to music.
3. Talk to Other Parents
You should talk to fellow parents. Listening to people who have experienced the same feels trustworthy. You can express how you’re feeling and receive comfort. It’s comforting to know that you are not alone.
4. Ask for Updates
Daycares provide a supportive environment. Feel free to ask the daycare about your child’s day. They will give you constant updates about your kid. You will know that he is feeling well. This will ease your worries.
Wrap Up!
It’s not possible to remove separation anxiety in a baby. Yet, you can decrease it. Follow all the above tips to make it easier for the child. Don’t forget that it is a paramount step to support the development of the child. They need to go to day care or preschool to grow and develop.
It’s not always easy, but be patient and loving. Our Growing Seeds Academy team is here to support you and your child. We help the little ones to adjust. They feel safe in a caring environment. Contact us today to schedule your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time will the kid feel anxious in daycare?
Separation anxiety lasts for weeks or months..
2. I feel guilty about leaving my child at daycare – what to do?
Parents often feel guilty, but don’t worry. It is very important for the progress of your baby.
3. What to do when my child cries at drop-off?
You have to trust the daycare providers. The staff will comfort the children and help them in any way.
