Perfecting Preschool Drop Off
Top 3 Expert Tips
With any new school year, it is normal for parents to find themselves feeling a bit stressed. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind at drop-off time.
1) Avoid the Llnger
Child development experts say to stick to the planned routine and not linger. For parents who are already anxious about how their child may handle this transition, they may be tempted to prolong their goodbye. But prolonging that moment of separation doesn’t typically calm a child down. It usually makes things worse. It’s best to make sure the child knows what’s coming and then follow through with it.
Parents should assure their child that everything is going to be OK and that they’re going to have a great day. Then leave them with their teacher, who’s well-versed in helping kids adjust.
2) Remember, separation anxiety is temporary
Separation anxiety is only temporary, and most teachers report that the child is fine within minutes once the parents leave. But for those parents who stay, the anxiety only gets dragged out.
3) Share your calm, don’t join their chaos
When a child is either crying or panicking or stating, "I’m not going, don’t make me go," it naturally triggers a parent’s emotions, and they can easily feel nervous, worried, or frustrated. In those moments, Michelle Levin, family therapist, encourages parents to remember one of her favorite quotes: "Share your calm. Don’t join their chaos."
It’s perfectly OK to drop your child off, smile enthusiastically the whole time, and then go around the corner and cry a little. You just want to try to minimize that sort of reaction in front of your child.
Remind them of the plan, tell them you love them, and trust their teacher to handle the next part. While that may not seem easy, it’s ultimately what’s best for your little one.
