Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Rev. Susan Baller-Shepard: Wild And Precious Lives: Godspeed…
27 Fantastic Books For Kids Of All Ages
Blogging Baby Size Six: The flawless drop-off
Filed under: Development/Milestones: Babies, Childcare, Day Care & Education
For those of us who have children in day care or preschool, we deal with separation anxiety for both ourselves and our children. Sometimes it is a chronic issue, other times it is circumstantial. Whatever the case, there are steps we can take to ease the angst for our kids. Following are a few suggestions I have gleaned over the years of either dropping of my kids or talking with day care providers.- Organization is key. If you have diapers, special food or extra items to deliver to the facility, have them in a separate bag that you can easily hand to the teacher or care giver. If you have to stop and dig through a back pack or diaper bag, it will break the routine of the drop-off and create confusion for your child.
- Explain the routine to your child at home or in the car. Let them know that they will be at school and outline the basic routine for the day. This will prepare your child on a very basic level. My son, Devon, has been in preschool for nearly five months now, but I still explain the daily routine to him to give him an added bit of security.
- When unexpected situations arise, such as the teacher needing to dispense medication or provide a new food, call ahead and give the instructions, then include a note. This will prevent a long winded explanation at your arrival. Again, this will make the drop-off a bit more smooth.
- Never tell your child, "I'll be back soon." A child doesn't have a grasp on that concept. Give him/her a run down of the schedule so that he/she can focus on something concrete.
- Don't stay and watch your small person for long. Walk into the school, do your business and get out. If you hover, you child will wonder if there is something wrong and become anxious. The kindest thing is simply to drop off your child, get on with your day and let your child get on with his/hers. If your child does cry at drop off, you can always call the school to get an update.
- Finally, be confident. Children can easily pick up on our emotions. If you have spent the time to choose a great facility/school for your child, then you know it is safe, educational and fun. Your child is there to learn and have fun. Smile, carry yourself with confidence and reassure your child that school is a fun activity.
Last but not least, here is yet another biggie, if you work in a place that has on-site child-care, don't poke your head in during the day. Again, this creates confusion and just ends up hurting the child.
The above tips have helped me immensely over the years. Sometimes my kids have shed a few tears at drop-off, but by sticking to these suggestions we have been able to eliminate most anxious days. Do you have any ideas? If so, please share
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Mom Drops Baby From Burning 3rd Story Apartment
A baby and a three year old girl survive a fire after being dropped from the third floor of a burning building. Several police officers also helped in the rescue of the two children and three adults Wednesday night. (Oct. 28)
-
Gabriel Aubry's Child Endangerment Case Dropped
After so much legal trouble with his baby mama Halle Berry, there is finally a glimmer of hope for poor Gabriel Aubry!
The dependency court case against Gabriel Aubry has been dropped. Gabriel was forced to go to court after the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services expressed concerns about 3 year old Nahla's safety while she was in his care.
A nanny had made some pretty harsh accusation about his temper, but it appears they were not evident enough to hold up in court.
TMZ repor
-
Top 5 Baby Products Review
In this episode of The Lab, Daddy Clay and Daddy Brad travel to the ABC Kids and Baby Expo to bring you their list of the best new products and accessories for kids and babies. Items include the BPA free Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottle, a Blinxy pacifier, Pop Pals popsicle maker, a new lunchbox, and some great eco friendly products for children. From toys to insect repellent baby clothes to a baby diaper bag from Diaper Dude, the dads have got this baby gear covered.
-
Chinese Predict Baby Boom
China's expected 'dragon baby' boom begins with this newborn. The Year of the Dragon, which dawned on Monday, is one of the most auspicious times to have children, according to the Chinese Zodiac. Children born during 'dragon years' are thought to bring fortune to their families and find much success in their personal and professional lives. State news predicts there will be a 5 percent increase in the number of births during the dragon year in China alone.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
1-26-2007 @ 3:48PM
mckenna said...Since my husband has begun doing the drop-off, my son is far less emotional. I don't know if my husband is just better at it, or if my son just doesn't take it as personally with him. Either way, he basically skips off like "later Dad" with him, but melts down with me with a look that says "what could you possibly have to do that's more important than me???!!!".
Reply
1-26-2007 @ 10:34PM
granny said...HEY.WAS JIST WONDERING IF YOU ALL KNOW ABOUT THE NEW PIP SQUEAK SHOES. THEY ARE FOUND ON THIS SITE. .WWW.APPALACHIN HIGHWAY STORE SELLER OF PIP SQUEAK SHOES. THEY ARE THE BEST.
Reply
2-04-2007 @ 10:27AM
Anayansi said...I know!!!! My son is 3 years and 8 months old and he cries when he has to go to school or to his karate lessons. The teachers say that this is just for a couple of minutes after his father leaves. It just breaks my heart when he tells me that he does not want to go. I'll follow any tip you can give me. I'll start with not saying that I'll be back soon.
Reply