How to calmly drop kids off

SCHOOL has only just returned, and as always there are lots of children having their first experience of either daycare, pre- Prep or Prep. Amid the excitement of starting another chapter of their little lives is also the stress and anxiety that comes with leaving mum or dad.

As difficult as it is to see your child become upset at separating from you and feeling powerless to do anything to help, it may help a little to know why your child is upset.

Separation anxiety is a natural developmental stage and comes and goes over the years. Some children are more sensitive and experience more anxiety than others. But essentially it is about their strong attachment to you. They simply don’t want to leave you and worry about “what if I need something and you are not there?”.

My tips: get there early rather than late, it is harder to walk into a whole classroom full of noisy children rather than a few. Next, get their brain busy as you enter the classroom with their own little jobs to do, i. e. putting their lunch box, hat, bag, drink bottle away rather than you. Their mind will be occupied working out where to go and what to do next, and the anxiety will be less.

Set them up at an activity, teachers are always willing to help you too. An activity on the floor, sandpit, table is best. Avoid sitting them on your lap. Stay a short while, five to 10 minutes max, and then say goodbye and leave, don’t be tempted to sneak out to avoid the fuss, it will only make tomorrow worse. Be calm, confident and reassure. Email questions to aboutababy@ townsville bulletin. com. au. Nicole Pierotti is a child psychologist who is an expert in helping solve sleep problems. Call 4724 2600 or go to babysmiles. com. au