Is your toddler suffering from separation anxiety? Here are some tricks to help you deal with it!

Parenting is an incredible journey filled with joy and wonder. However, it also comes with its challenges. One of the most heartwarming yet demanding phases is when your toddlers experiences separation anxiety while joining the  preschool school. When they cling to you during drop-offs or become teary at goodbyes, it's natural to experience a mix of emotions.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common and normal phenomenon that affects many toddlers between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. It happens when your children feel anxious or scared when you leave them, even for a short time. They may cry, cling, or throw tantrums when you say goodbye, or refuse to go to sleep without you nearby.

Why does separation anxiety happen?

Separation anxiety can be challenging and stressful for both you and your children. It is not a sign of bad parenting or a spoiled child. In fact, it's a sign of healthy attachment and growing independence in your toddlers. They learn that you still exist even when they can’t see you. However, they are not yet able to understand time or predict when you will return. At this time, they need your reassurance and comfort to cope with their fears and emotions.

You should not worry about separation anxiety. It is usually a temporary phase that fades away when your children mature and develop more confidence and coping skills.

Cope With Separation Anxiety With These Tips

Your children can overcome separation anxiety by doing a few things that will make the transition to preschool school  easier for both of you. You may find these tips helpful:

• Prepare your child for separation

Before you leave your children, tell them where you are going, why you are going, and when you will be back. Use simple words they can understand, such as “Mommy is going to work now, but I will come back after lunch.”

Avoid making promises that you can’t keep, such as “I’ll be back soon” or “I’ll call you every hour.” Instead, give them a realistic time frame or a cue they can recognize, such as “I’ll be back when the big hand is on the 12” or “I’ll be back after your class.”

• Establish a consistent and positive goodbye routine

Having a predictable and reassuring ritual can help your children feel more secure and calm when you leave. For example, you can give them a hug and a kiss, say “I love you” and “I’ll see you later”, and wave goodbye.

If you sneak out when they are not looking, they may feel more anxious and distrustful. Also, avoid prolonging the goodbye or coming back repeatedly, as this can make them more upset and confused.

• Leave a comfort object with your child

If your children have a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal they like to cuddle with, let them keep it with them when you leave them at preschool school  This can help them feel more connected to you and soothe themselves when they miss you.

You can also leave something that belongs to you, such as a scarf, a shirt, or a photo, that has your scent or image on it.

• Practice short separations and work toward longer ones

Your children will get accustomed to being away from you if you gradually expose them to situations where they have to separate from you for a short time. For example, you can leave them with a trusted friend or relative while you run an errand, or let them play in another room while you do some chores. Praise them for being brave and independent when they manage to stay calm and happy without you.

• Choose the right preschool in Gurgaon and introduce new teachers gradually

If you are planning to enroll your children in  preschool in Gurgaon try to familiarize them with the teachers before leaving them alone with them. You can visit the preschool together, meet the teacher, and let your children explore the environment and play with the other children.

A short get-together with the new babysitter or nanny at your home would be a great way to show your children that they are trustworthy and friendly.

• Comfort your child when they are afraid

When you are with your children, listen to their feelings and concerns about being separated from you. Acknowledge their emotions and validate their fears, without dismissing or minimizing them. For example, you can say “I know it’s hard to say goodbye to Mommy” or “I understand that you feel scared when I’m not here.”

You can also teach them some coping strategies, such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, or distraction, to help them calm down and relax when they feel anxious.

With these tips, you can help your children overcome separation anxiety when they join preschool school. If you are looking for an empathetic preschool in Gurgaon that takes the best care of your children, The Shri Ram Early Years is the right choice for you. You can rely on its expert teachers to provide a safe and secure environment that combines learning with fun. It can help your children transition to preschool easily.