When you need to get to work, few things are more stressful than dropping off a teary-eyed child at preschool. Fortunately, by working with your child and creating a solid exit plan, you can prevent daily problems. Here are three ways to ease separation anxiety in preschoolers. 

3 Tip for Alleviating Separation Anxiety

1. Talk With Your Child About What to Expect 

Explain that you will be leaving for the day, but will return after they have played and learned. Check out children’s books on the subject at your local library and read them together, so your child understands it is a common concern. As you discuss their fears, explain that it’s normal and healthy to feel nervous about new situations, but that trying something new is important for growth. 

2. Make Goodbyes Quick & Painless

When it is time to leave, make it fast and painless. Leave when you say you will, and don’t make a big production about walking out the door. Instead, work with teachers to distract your child, so they don’t see you walk away. 

3. Focus on Consistency

Leave the same way every day, so your child knows what to expect. By keeping a consistent morning ritual, your little one will have less anxiety about the process. If there are days when you need to drop off your preschooler differently, talk with them about it beforehand. For instance, if your spouse will be dropping off your child, explain how that day might be different. However, discuss with the person on drop-off duty about the process, so your child won’t gain new expectations about how the day will unfold. 

Although making the transition to preschool is hard for some kids, having an excellent early learning center will make the process easier. At A Brighter Rainbow Learning Center in Billerica, MA, their experienced teachers create a fun, nurturing environment for their students. They provide infant and toddler programs with different care hours to cater to families’ busy lives. To learn more about this preschool, visit their website or call (978) 670-9222.