Overcoming Separation Anxiety

Excited for your child’s first day at preschool? Feeling a bit nervous? Here are some tips to help your little one take that big, brave step into the wonderful world of Sparkletots.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Preschool

Your child is about to go to school for the very first time. It’s natural to feel anxious. Here’s how you can keep up the positive vibes not just for your child, but for yourself as well.

Before Starting Preschool

What You Can Do as a Parent

Your child takes cues from you, so here are three ways to ease their anxiety about preschool:

Think and sound positive.
Children are very wise, and they can pick up on your emotions. If you are anxious about preschool, your child will likely feel anxious too. So take a deep breath, relax and focus on the positive aspects of preschool. For example, you can think about how much your child will learn and grow or how much fun they will have playing with their new friends.

Talk to your child about preschool.
Answer any questions they have about preschool honestly and positively. You can also talk about the fun activities they will do, the new friends they will meet, and the teachers who will care for them.

Give our teachers time to bond with your child.
The first few days of preschool can be daunting for children and parents. Giving your child time to adjust to their new surroundings and bond with their teachers is essential.
Read Books about Going to School
- Maisy goes to Preschool bu Lucy Cousins
- Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean and Gareth Adamson
-  Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman
Practise Routines at Home
Establishing a routine can provide your child with a sense of security and stability.

To help your child adjust to the new routines and schedules, you can get your child to:
- Practise going to bed and waking up at the same time daily prior to start of preschool.
- Have sufficient sleep and a good bedtime routine as this will energise them throughout the school day.

When Your Child Starts Preschool

Here are 5 Tips and Strategies to help your child ease separation anxiety

Tip #1: Develop Good Habits

Get their school bag ready early.

Do pack the school bag with your child. You will need to show them how to do so at the start. Explain the purpose of each item.

Refer to “Things To Bring” on the Orientation Page. Once they can do this independently, you can entrust this task to them. This will help your child develop responsibility and ownership over their items.

Start the day with a good breakfast! A nutritious meal ensures your child has the energy to go through their day.

Tip #2: Create a Goodbye Routine

Comfort your child and prepare their little heart for the day at school with these routines.

Keep a relaxed and happy look on your face when you’re leaving. If you seem worried or sad, your child will feel the same way too.

Keep the goodbye routine short. Please resist the urge to run back to your child should they cry. Doing so would make your child think you will be there when they cry and could prolong the adaptation period.

Always say goodbye to your child. Do not sneak away as this may confuse and upset the child more as they do not trust the environment.

Tip #3: Give Loads of Reassurance & Encouragement

While adjusting to preschool, make a conscious effort to foster your child’s self-esteem by complimenting them. Give lots of positive attention, like hugs and kisses.

Praise them as it’s a great way to communicate your support, love and care.

Celebrate their little achievements during this period of transition.

Tip #4: Have Regular Conversations

Conversation strengthens your relationship with your child. It helps you to know your child’s experiences, feelings and points of view. Make it a habit to have regular conversations with your child.

Tip #5: Establish Rapport and Trust

Parents and preschoolers must build a strong partnership for children to adjust well as they begin their preschool journey.

Develop good communication with the preschool, especially your child’s teachers. It can take time for your child to get used to the preschool routine.

If you feel that your child needs to settle in and advice from the teacher is not working, talk to the centre principal.

FAQs

If you have questions, see our FAQs or contact our preschool for more information.

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