Ah yes, it’s the much-feared and dreaded preschool drop-off! All parents worry about saying goodbye when they drop their kids off at school, as nobody knows what will happen. While sneaking out the front door while your child is distracted sounds tempting, the preschool in Olney offers a better approach.
Yes, it is painful to watch your child scream and cling to you as though you are leaving them to never return. We all seem to forget that we must teach our kids how to say goodbye. Nobody is born with the ability to say goodbye; it is a skill that they must acquire. Although this is a difficult skill to master, it will help them develop self-confidence in the process.
Part of creating a smooth drop-off process means making drop-off fun for kids who find it anything but. So, how do you go about doing that? Hug your child extra tightly, sing a special “see you later” song, and give her a kiss to “hold” in her hand while you’re gone. Give up a cherished item so your child knows you are coming back. To help with your child’s transition from home to school, bring along their favorite blanket, toy, or stuffed animal.
Both new and experienced parents can agree that dropping off a child at a preschool in Olney, MD, isn’t always easy. But with time and a few tips, the process can go smoothly. These tried-and-true tips will help you and your family be better ready.
Tell them what is going to happen when you drop them off. The more detailed you can describe it, the better. You can get as detailed as picking a specific spot. This is where you’ll say goodbye every day. Stay the same! Your child will know what to expect and will feel less anxious about being alone.
Keep the goodbyes outside the main room for at least the first month. This will help your child become more at ease faster. When kids know you’re going to leave soon, they tend to get more nervous. To keep from being upset when you leave, your child will start to show you everything and everyone in the school.
Perhaps your daily ritual is a hug, a kiss, a high five, or a playful handshake. Regardless of what kind of routine you and your child create, please stick to it. There is never an acceptable reason not to follow your goodbye routine, not even running late to work or answering a phone call! Even in the face of these kinds of things, take the time to follow your routine. Sticking to your routine shows your kid you always follow through with what you say you are going to do and that your child matters!
If you’re nervous about leaving, your kid might pick up on that and feel a bit anxious. In these first few days, consider some ways to ease your worries about dropping off at daycare. Hang out with friends or other parents who have little ones, catch a movie, or take a stroll. It’s totally okay if you get a bit emotional at school drop-off, but just try to keep those feelings from spilling over onto your child. These feelings are something almost every parent goes through, so don’t be too hard on yourself!
Some kids handle goodbyes better when a parent keeps them short and sweet. Some kids just need their parents around until they feel more at ease. Figure out what works best for your family and handle drop-off accordingly. If your child requires you to hang around for a bit before leaving, make sure to get there early enough so you can focus on your child without having to rush off to work.
Kids express their feelings by crying, and that’s totally normal for them. Recognizing how they feel is key to helping them deal with those morning changes. Sneaking out when they’re not paying attention can really make toddlers feel more anxious about being apart. Drop-off will be worse if you vanish and they can’t track you down. Tell your kid you’re heading out and that you’ll be back soon.
With all the chaos of dropping off at daycare—unpacking and sharing the daily information—it’s super easy to lose focus. When you drop them off, take a moment to really connect with your kid. Hang out with them for a bit before you say goodbye. This can help them relax and calm their worries.
If your child is upset about attending daycare, tell them you understand. Then, give them something to do to distract them. This could be games, music for the car, a toy, or anything else you know your child would enjoy.
Just remember that it’s okay for your little one to cry at school or daycare, especially when you drop them off. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Strong connections and their brain’s defense system work together to do this. It’s meant to keep them close when it’s not safe for them to leave you.
Everyone knows it’s hard, but keep in mind that it takes time to learn how to say goodbye. Every kid is different, but they all learn how to do it in the end. As a parent, there are a few things you can do to help them get there. Always be the same, have fun, be original, and keep it short and sweet!
No matter how rough the drop-offs get, remember that everything gets better. Be patient and positive while everyone gets used to things. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out. Caregivers who work at a preschool in Olney are always happy to talk about their children and how to help them, as it helps improve the drop-off experience for everyone!
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.