How to Calm Preschool Separation Anxiety

Your child goes through dramatic life changes between the ages of two and three. While the social and educational benefits of preschool are well-documented, some kids may have emotional difficulties at the beginning. A combination of excitement and fear of leaving the constant comfort of a parent's presence can lead to separation anxiety. Here are some helpful tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Have a Talk with Your Child
Every parent and child will react differently to the start of preschool. This is perfectly normal. If you suspect your child is feeling some trepidation about their first day of school, have a talk with them beforehand to demystify what’s in store for them. But besides assuaging their fears, talk up all the fun they will have.
Tour the School
One of the most effective ways to ease your child's fears is to take them on a tour of their new school. It can be done informally with a school teacher or other employee. After they see where they will spend their time away from home, reassure your child that you will always be there pick them up each day.
If you have anyone outside your immediate family authorized to pick them up, make that clear as well. If at all possible, make sure that person is someone they are comfortable around and have some sort of report with.
The First Day of School
So, the first day has arrived and the excitement and/or anxiety is in full gear. Get to school a few minutes early to avoid scrambling around, which will not only add stress but make you forget about some of the important little details you should consider on this special day. This also applies to picking them up, since waiting on you may nurture their negative emotions.
No matter how smoothly or how rough the drop-off goes, it's not wise to sneak out. This is done by plenty of well-intentioned parents who think it helps avoid drama. In reality, you run the risk of hurting your child’s feelings and lose out on an opportunity to comfort them. If they are crying, most likely it will subside minutes after you leave.
You can help ease anxiety by allowing your child to bring comforting objects to school, like teddy bears or certain toys (allowed by the school) to give them some connection to their home environment.
Just remember this: the benefits of preschool far outweigh a finite period of separation anxiety. Confidence in your child’s independence lays the foundation for his or her future self-esteem. They will be starting their journey to self confidence and a life of learning.