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Dealing With Separation Anxiety in Children

Admin • January 30, 2019
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Every child is different, and you never know when, or if, separation anxiety will become an issue. Some kids have no problem skipping into a child care center and are eager for Mom or Dad to leave. Others have a difficult time saying goodbye. Still other kids might have some days when they're excited for time with their friends and other days when they cling to a parent's leg.

In these last cases, parents sometimes have trouble figuring out what triggers their child's separation anxiety. The good news is that there are ways to work through these separation anxiety issues. Compassionate caregivers at the child care center and understanding parents can help children through this important step that's just part of growing up.

At-Home Preparations

If a child care center is new to your child, help ease his or her anxiety by visiting the center. Show your child some exciting toys and introduce your child to his or her caregiver. Show your child where his or her belongings will go while he or she is at school.

When you return home, discuss everything you saw. Talk about which parts of the child care center are exciting. Discuss the day's schedule so your child knows what to expect. If your child expresses particular anxieties, talk through them. Even if the worry seems small, don't dismiss it. A worry that seems small to you could be overwhelming to your child.

If the child care center is not new to your child, but new separation anxiety appears, it could be a result of developmental changes. Practice short separations at home. For example, leave your child in the living room while you go into the kitchen to get a snack. Explain to your child that you'll return quickly, and then keep your promise.

Playing peek-a-boo is another way to help a child with separation anxiety. You also could play hide-and-seek. Another option is to play a fun transition game between peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek. Hide around a corner, out of your child's sight, and then pop out with a smile. This game will teach your child that even if you go away for a while, you'll always return.

At the Child Care Center

To help your child separate from you at the child care center, establish a routine that your child can rely on. For example, walk into the center, remove your child's coat, help him or her with hand washing and settle your child at a favorite activity. It might be the same activity every day that you can engage in together. For example, drawing, completing a puzzle, or playing with clay are calming and engaging activities.

When it's time to say goodbye, be matter-of-fact. Tell your child when you'll return in terms your child can understand. For example, say, "I'll return after your snack," instead of, "I'll return at 3 o'clock."

Give your child a quick hug, or maybe you create a secret handshake or funny wave that you only use when you're leaving your child at the child care center. Enlist the help of a care provider to distract your child in a fun activity when it's time to leave.

Finally, don't linger. Be confident and positive when you say goodbye to your child because your child will take his or her emotional cues from you. It's important not to sneak out, even if it's tempting. Leaving without telling your child you're going can erode his or her trust and make separation anxiety worse. It's scary for a child to look up from an activity only to discover his or her parent disappeared.

If you're looking for a child care center that can support you and your child through challenges like separation anxiety, contact Kids & Company today at one of our many locations!

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3 Major Benefits of Outdoor Play for Preschoolers

By Admin • May 30, 2019
If your child prefers the screen over the swing set, read this article to learn why preschoolers should play outside & how you can help them to enjoy it.
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Your Preschooler's Not a Morning Person? Prevent School Lateness

By Admin • March 30, 2019
Trying to get an uncooperative preschooler out the door and to school on time can be a challenge. So prepare ahead of time to make the mornings easier.
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Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?

By Admin • November 30, 2018
Deciding whether to send your child to preschool or not is one of the earliest decisions you make for your child's education. Your child's future success in school begins with making positive decisions based on their needs. While many preschools begin taking children while they are still toddlers, this does not mean you and your child are ready. You may want to ensure your child is emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively developed enough to attend an educational program with other children.  Continue reading to see if your child is ready to begin preschool.
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4 Ways Preschool Benefits Your Toddler

By Admin • October 7, 2018
Studies indicate that children who attend preschool are more prepared for kindergarten than those who do not. A quality preschool curriculum helps your child build a foundation of social and developmental skills that will them excel in school. Though there is no disputing the benefits of preschool, there is some controversy regarding when your child should start preschool and whether or not preschool benefits toddleraged children.  Most children start preschool between three and four years of age. However, you can find preschool programs for younger children as well. Young children, including toddlers, can benefit from these programs. Read on to understand a few of the benefits that preschool has for your toddler-aged child.
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Common Questions About Preschoolers, Activity, and Obesity

By Admin • August 6, 2018
Obesity is an epidemic that affects one in three American children, according to the American Heart Association. With a growing trend towards a sedentary lifestyle, including a heavier reliance on screens on less time spent outdoors or being active, it's easy to figure out why the number of young children who are overweight or obese is growing. As a parent, you may wonder what you can do to help your preschooler reduce the risk of obesity. Along with the daily physical activity your child gets during their preschool day, you can help them to eat right and stay active at home. Not only will regular physical activity help to keep your child at a healthy weight, but it will also improve both their fine (small) and gross (large) motor skills. These abilities are necessary for your child to do everything from buttoning their coat to walking up and down the stairs. How can you help your preschooler to combat the obesity epidemic? Look at some of the common questions that parents of prekindergarten children have about weight gain and a healthy lifestyle. 
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3 Milestones That Mark Your Child's Readiness for Preschool

By Admin • June 8, 2018
Early education can set your child up for success later in life. Enrolling your child in a preschool class can be a great way to jump-start your child's education. Many parents assume that their child will be ready to enter preschool when they hit the age of eligibility, but this isn't true. Children develop at different rates, both physically and emotionally. Sending your child to preschool before he or she is ready could end in disaster. You should use more than just age to help you determine when your child is mature enough to attend preschool classes. Here are some basic guidelines.
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Tips to Communicate With Your Child's Preschool Teacher

By Admin • April 11, 2018
Your child's preschool teacher serves as a partner in their development, and strong communication between them and your family is essential to your child's success. However, it often feels as though there is little time to communicate during the rush of dropping off and picking up your child. At drop off time, you may worry about interfering with the teacher's other duties by asking to talk. Alternatively, you may not know exactly how to broach a difficult topic such as your child's special needs. Now that your child is in the right preschool classroom use these tips to foster excellent communication with their teacher that supports your child's learning.
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Tips for Protecting Your Preschooler's Health During Flu Season

By Admin • February 7, 2018
Flu season fills many parents with dread each year. It can seem inevitable that all the little ones in class will get it at some point. However, there are things you can do to decrease the odds of your children contracting the flu this year. Consider and follow these tips to protect the health of your preschoolers throughout flu season and beyond.
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Technology Use in Preschool Programs

By Admin • December 11, 2017
You already know that your preschooler is learning and growing every day. From building basic math skills to beginning to read and write, the early childhood classroom is the seat of development for your young child. In addition to science, social studies and art, modern curriculum also includes technology. Even though your child is under the age of five, that does not mean they can't get a jump-start on technology use. Obviously, classroom tech-time doesn't look the same as it does for you. Your preschooler isn't answering slews of emails, and they're not binge-watching their favorite show on a tablet. So what does technology use look like in the preschool classroom? Take a look at how computers, media and other technological devices function in preschool programs.
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Preschoolers and Independence: How to Help Your Child at Home

By Admin • October 11, 2017
Your preschooler is completely self-sufficient, in-control and an A+ listener—at school that is. Even though the teacher raves about your little learner's ability to follow directions, clean up after playtime and do things (such as putting on her own jacket) without adult help, you just aren't seeing those skills at home. What is going on? Don't stress. This is completely normal. The seemingly Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine of behaving one way at preschool and another way at home is common and typically isn't anything to worry about. Of course, that doesn't mean you won't daydream about your child acting like her school-self when she's around you. How can you help your preschooler to act independently, cooperate with you (or siblings) and behave in more acceptable ways at home? Take a look at these tips for getting your child to show off some of that "school-time" behavior when she's around you.
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