School bells soon will be ringing, so it’s time to prepare your child for a transition from home to a place filled with new and exciting experiences.
Some children may find it difficult to leave home, as they are quite comfortable in their surroundings with mom or dad, in their own secure environment, with their own toys and familiar playmates. Preparing your child, as well as understanding and anticipating the possibility of some separation anxiety, will help your child to be much more successful during those first days of school.
Separation anxiety is well known to all early childhood educators. They understand that it can be just as difficult for some parents to separate and let go as it is for the child. A parent’s attitude and actions will influence his or her child’s reactions and determine the success of the separation experience.
Early school years are a big step for all children. It’s a whole new world. There are new toys to explore, friends to make, games to play, foods to taste, books to read, stories to share … it is the beginning of your child’s school career. This is where independence is gained, self-esteem is ignited, information is processed and social skills are developed. It’s where children learn to take turns, share, wait, listen and explore. For some, it can be a sensory overload, and somewhat overwhelming.
Crying and clinging are a normal display of anxiety or separation difficulty for young children. Looking at these first few days through the eyes of a child, you might consider what it feels like to go somewhere new, meet new people and follow new rules, alone. Be patient and tolerant of emotions. Ask questions such as, “What did you like best?” and “Who is your new friend?” If your child does cry or cling, rely on the experience of his teacher to engage him in classroom activities.
How to prepare
You can prepare your child for the separation by talking, showing and going.
- Talking: Lots of conversation about school-based activities will help your child prepare emotionally. Your descriptions of glue and paint projects, as well as birthday or holiday celebration parties, will help him imagine the fun to come.
- Showing: Show your child new toys, games and books he may have in his new classroom by heading to the library and the educational section of his favorite store. The purpose of the outing is not to purchase but to explore. Tell him you’re going to look at things he may be able to play with every day in his new classroom, which will increase his interest.
