Separation Anxiety and Drop Off: Tips to smooth the morning routine in Child Care (0-4 Years)

Starting child care can be an exciting but also nerve-racking experience for children (and parents!) Separation anxiety is a very common part of early childhood development, especially in children 0-4 years. This is often the first time your child is leaving you and going into the care of someone who isn’t family or close friends.

Separation anxiety is a normal sign that your child has formed a strong attachment and this is a beautiful thing.

At Kinderwood Academy, we see children navigate these emotions every day and there are several strategies that families and educators can use in partnership together to help make morning drop-off smoother for everyone.

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a normal stage where children can feel distressed when separating from their parent or caregiver. It is most common in infants and toddlers (8-18months) and often peaking in toddlers and preschoolers as they test their independence. Symptoms can include excessive worry, clinginess, refusal to go to school/child care or physical symptoms (stomach ache)

Tips for Calm, Confident Drop-Off

1. Create a Predictable Goodbye Ritual

1. Children thrive with routine and consistency. Try a short and simple ritual (handshake, hug and kiss etc.) do the same thing every morning helps them to understand what is coming and helps to build security and comfort.

2. Be calm and consistent

• Your mood and emotions matter. If you remain calm and confident this will assist your child in picking up on these cues and help them to feel more safe and secure. Being short and consistent rather than lingering, which can unintentionally increase the stress your child may experience

3. Use Comfort Objects

• Bring a comfort from home (toy, blanket, lovey) These objects can help to reassure the child during the transition and support their feeling safe and secure

4. Practice Small Separations at Home

• When possible, help you child with time short time apart. This helps to build confidence. At Kinderwood Academy we also offer three, one hour settling in sessions that help to ease the transition prior to your child’s first day of care.

5. Validate Their Feelings

• It is okay to feel sad and nervous or upset. Validating your child’s feelings will help them to regulate. Saying things like “I know its hard to be apart and say goodbye, but I’ll be back after you get to play and have fun.” This lets them know that you are coming back, which supporting their emotional well-being. Allowing them to feel seen, heard and validated.