Childcare Drop off: Tips for Separation Anxiety
It’s very common for young children to experience difficulty separating from their parents. Especially when you’ve all spent the last year and half together. And while it’s completely normal to have anxiety when saying goodbye for a short period of time, we understand that it’s still challenging to navigate. Here are some of our favourite tips to help make your morning goodbyes that much easier.
Preparation is key
One of the most important tips we have to help ease separation anxiety with your toddler is to prepare them in advance. Talk to them about what the drop off plan is, how long you’ll be gone and when you’ll be back. We suggest bring it up on multiple occasions, with the emphasis being on the coming back part, so that they’re better prepared for when the goodbye actually happens. That way, they won’t be blind-sided and you get a chance to discuss any feelings they might be having if they look unsure.
Create a transition plan
Part of separation anxiety can also stem from an unfamiliar environment. We suggest taking your little one to their daycare ahead of time. If you can, take a tour of the building and meet the caretakers they’ll be interacting with to take away the fear of the unknown and find things for them to be excited about. While this tip may not be available to all, you can still do a drive by so that they can at least see where they’ll be going in advance!
Don’t draw it out
We know it may be hard but it’s best to keep things brief. A long, drawn out goodbye can have the exact opposite affect that you want. If you’re worried and hesitant, they’ll be worried and hesitant so try to keep it light and positive! Once you get to the door, give them a squeeze and a kiss, say your goodbyes and then let the caretakers do what they do best!
Stick to a routine
We believe it’s important that you create a drop off and pick up schedule that you’re consistent with. If you drop them off and pick them up at the same times every day, then it becomes predictable and easier for them to know what’s coming. The quicker it becomes a routine in their lives, the quicker the goodbyes become second nature!
We know that saying goodbye can be hard but we promise, if you follow these few simple tips, it’ll make drop offs a lot easier to deal with and the reunion that much sweeter!