Seperation Anxiety

Entering into a new classroom or child care facility can be an emotional experience for both parents/guardians and children. However, understanding that some separation anxiety and tears are normal and what you can do to help your child adjust to the change will make the transition easier. The first few days are often the most challenging time to deal with separation anxiety. Please keep in mind that the teachers at Clover Sprouts Learning are very experienced in dealing with these situations and they frequently see the same pattern of separation anxiety in young children. Please see below for some suggestions that will help ease your child’s transition into the program:

Share information about your child with his or her teachers to help them get a clearer picture of your child. (Likes, dislikes, fears, eating habits etc.)

Visit the centre briefly with your child prior to their first day to meet the teachers and set up a gradual entry schedule.

Let your child see and hear that you are feeling positive and excited about this transition and all the fun they will have at school. (Young children pick-up on many emotional cues from adults about how they should feel about new situations.)

Encourage your child to bring a comfort item from home for the first few days they are in care. (Perhaps a favourite teddy bear or doll.)

Bring a family photo to add to our classroom family tree to help comfort your child and provide them with a sense of belonging in their new classroom.

Develop a “goodbye routine”, such as always waving through the window as you leave or always giving a high five after a kiss goodbye. Children find routines reassuring, especially in times of stress or transition.

Take time to say “goodbye” to your child and reassure them that you will see them again at the end of the day or let them know which other person will pick-up.

Regardless of how tempting it may seem, do not sneak away without saying goodbye while your child is distracted. This may create further feelings of anxiety and cause them to feel distrustful.

Avoid repeated goodbyes. Once you have let your child know you are leaving and have gone through your established “goodbye routine”, it is time to go. Stalling and lingering will often cause the child to have greater challenges when you finally do leave.

We understand that it can be very challenging for parents to leave the centre while their child is experiencing separation anxiety. Please let us know if you would like a teacher to give you a quick call, text or email later on in the day to give you an update on how your child is doing. Often within five to ten minutes of their parent leaving, most children experiencing separation anxiety have calmed their bodies and are ready to have fun!