So you want to be able to de-tach from your child…OH! but you want it to come with OUT the melt down, tears and boogies? Okay! We got this!
It must feel awful as a parent when you leave your child somewhere and the last expression you see on their face is utter dispare and guilt rendering sobs. But, there’s a secret…most of your children are tremendous actors! Because as soon as you are out of sight…so are the tears. Parents, unfortunately, will always get front row seats for this show. Children are wise and learned from a young age that crying (communication) gets them what they want/need. It was not that long ago your child cried to inform you it was dinner time, or diaper time, in other words, to get his needs met. Well, it only makes sense that if they cry hard enough or long enough that this “need” will be met also.
As a former pre school teacher, I realize how important drop off time is. Not only for the child but for the parent. It’s important the person caring for your child be confident in the care they are about to provide as well as empathetic to the parent so as not to give off judgmental vibes, “I can’t believe this mother is going to work leaving her son crying like this.” If your child is experiencing separation anxiety it is very important to speak to their teacher or care giver. Working as team will make the home to school transition seamless. Well, now that we know a possible reason for this behavior how can we modify it? Below I have given several tips on what you, as a parent can do. I reiterate the importance of working closely with your child’s caregiver because there are many more things that they can do also. But for the sake of this Separation Anxiety Blog I will address the parent questions and concerns.
