Helping Your Toddler Ease His Separation Anxiety

October 24, 2008

photo by mistress_stash_enhancer

Time flies…my son Ashton got promoted from toddlers class to kids class.  This means that mummy will no longer be able to go into class with him.  I still remember tears rolling down his little cheeks.  I felt kind of sad to leave him just like that but going into class without mummy is a growing stage that he has to get over. Though the toddler resist separation from their mummies, some preparation could help ease their separation anxiety.

Pre-Preparation

1. Let your child know in advance that he will be going to class without you -Tell him that he will have to go to school without you soon.  Let him know that the teachers in school are nice people and he can always approach them for help.
2. Let him knows the fun in school - Let him knows that school is going to be fun.  He will make new friends in school.  He will learn many new things and play new games in school.
3. Read them some stories - Read them stories about children going to school and emphasis that their mummy are always there to pick them up.
4. Listen to baby songs - There are a series of “Baby Songs” cater to the development of the children.  There is this song entitled “My Mummy Comes Back”.  While I was preparing my son for school, I let him listen to the song and assure him there when he goes to school, I will be there to pick him up.

Very soon, the real test is here.  First day of school…Here’s some tips on how to handle your toddler on that day.

1. Bring his comfort item - On my son’s first day of class, I put his favorite train inside his school bag.  When he cried, I let him hold on to his train and this makes him feels better.
2. Assure him that you will be back - Let your toddler knows that you will be there to pick him up after school.  While he is in class, you shall wait for him outside.
3. Say good bye and leave - Do not turn back, after assuring him and saying goodbye, leave the classroom despite cries. Toddlers have their moods, once they are being distracted by other activities, they will stop crying.

After class

1. Pamper your toddler with hugs and love -Let them know that you still love them very much and they are not being forsake by you.
2. Be prepared for some emotional roller coaster - They might have mood swings due to separation anxiety.  Be more understanding and patient towards them.  This stage will passed.

This is Ashton’s second week of class.  Though he still crys alittle during the initial part of class.  I could see that he enjoys going to school.  It’s great to see him overcoming separation anxiety.  Now he tells me happily what happens in school and the names of his good friends.  Whenever he gos to class, he will say: Mummy wait outside”.  He is a big boy now.

Posted in Managing Parenthood, My Parenting Journal, Toddler Behavior