Does your child exhibit separation anxiety at daycare drop-off? Do you spend more than fifteen minutes struggling to calm your child's fears? You are not alone. All parents at one time or another have experienced guilt, fear and remorse at
very thought of leaving their hysterical child in arms of a non-relative. Separation anxiety affects both parents and children. Children display their discontent and fears by throwing temper trantrums, clinging onto parents for long periods and ignoring attempts by their daycare provider to calm their fears. Parents display separation anxiety by hesitating to exit daycare, clinging onto their child for prolonged periods and performing disappearing acts when their child is not looking.
To help ease separation anxiety, change must start with parents. Parents must first calm their own fears and insecurities. When children see parents more relaxed and confident at drop-off they begin to slowly warm up to their daycare provider and adjust to their new daycare setting. Parents can plan ahead of time by using some of these creative ideas to help ease separation anxiety.
Temporary Tatoos ...
Visit your local grocery store and ask your child to choose a temporary tatoo of his favorite cartoon character. At bedtime discuss going to daycare with your child. Offer to place tatoo on his hand as a special reminder that you are with him always. Remind him at drop-off that when he looks at tatoo, he will know that you love him dearly and will soon pick him up after work.
Popsicle Treats ...
Popsicles, especially on hot days, are a great treat for children. Purchase a pack with a variety of primary and secondary colors. Use popsicles to teach him about secondary colors. Show him that two primary-colored popsicles can combine to form a secondary-colored popsicle. At daycare drop-off ask your child which color he would like to have at end of day. Ask him which flavor he thinks is associated with that color. Reassure him that he will be receiving his treat at end of day and that you will share precious time with him after returning from work.
