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 the very thought of leaving
their hysterical child in the arms of a non-relative.
Separation
anxiety affects both parents and children. Children
display their discontent and fears by throwing temper
tantrums, 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 the 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 the 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
Tattoos ...
Visit
your local grocery store and ask your child to choose
a temporary tattoo of his favorite cartoon character.
At bedtime discuss going to daycare with your child.
Offer to place the tattoo on his hand as a special
reminder that you are with him always. Remind him
at drop-off that when he looks at the tattoo, 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 the 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 the end of the day. Ask him
which flavor he thinks is associated with that color.
Reassure him that he will be receiving his treat
at the end of the day and that you will share precious
time with him after returning from work.
Surprise
Boxes ...
Keep
surprise boxes in your vehicle. Explain to your
child that he may open the surprise box if he is
good throughout the week. The surprise box may contain
baby photos of your child, his favorite storybook,
a favorite snack and a simple craft item that he
can quickly put together.
Healthy
Snacks ...
Visit
your local grocery store with your child and ask
him to choose a variety of healthy kid snacks that
he will pack and carry to daycare. Many children
who are adjusting to daycare need something familiar
to hold onto as they try to feel secure and comfortable
being away from parents. If your daycare provider
prepares meals, gradually reduce the number of snacks
in your child's lunch box until your child starts
eating the foods prepared at the daycare.
Bedtime
Stories ...
Visit
your local library and borrow books that focus on
children going to daycare. Read these books at bedtime.
From the pictures in the storybook your child will
see other children going to daycare and will understand
that he is not the only one experiencing separation
anxiety. Ask your child about his day at daycare
and try to determine if he is adjusting slowly or
not adjusting at all. After a week or two most children
adjust nicely to new daycare settings. For some
children it may take longer.
If
you suspect that your child is still not adjusting
try to drop by the daycare unannounced to see if
your child is interacting with the other kids. Look
at his interaction with the daycare provider and
the types of activities he is engaged in. Discuss
any of your concerns with your daycare provider
and allow time for adjustment. If there is no change
after about a week or two try looking into other
childcare options which may be better suitable for
your child.
