In a child’s early years, saying goodbye at a preschool in Olney often involves tears and temper tantrums. A lot of kids get separation anxiety around their first birthday. This means they get upset when their parent, aunt, or other primary caretaker tries to leave them with someone else. While it can be traumatizing to deal with, separation anxiety is actually normal.
One thing that is often overlooked is that it’s not just kids who have separation anxiety. Some parents suffer just as much as their kids do. Parents are frequently told that their kids will stop crying within minutes of us leaving. But how many of you have felt like you were “doing it all wrong” when your child clings to your legs, begs you to stay and cries for you to leave?
Parents have a lot of questions when their child has separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a perfectly normal response and a beautiful sign of a strong bond, but it can be very upsetting for everyone.
Most kids with separation anxiety are at their worst between the ages of 10 and 18 months. Most of the time, it stops when the child is 3 years old. Babies don’t know how to tell time, so when a parent leaves the room, they think they’re gone for good. Also, they haven’t quite figured out the idea of object permanence yet. They don’t realize that something hidden is still there but can’t be seen. Babies can get scared and nervous when their parents leave their sight if they don’t know these things.
If your separation anxiety symptoms are too much for you to handle, you might want to talk to a qualified mental health professional for help. You can work on processing your feelings and sense of loss of control about the breakup in therapy, either one-on-one or with a group. Parents can learn valuable skills that can help them feel less anxious and scared.
In addition to therapy, there are a few other things you can try to help overcome parental separation anxiety when dropping off your child at a preschool in Olney, MD.
It’s hard to deal with separation anxiety because your first reaction is to stay with your upset child to make them feel better. However, sticking around often causes more harm. Yes, you want to reassure them, but you also want them to learn how to have fun and enjoy themselves when you are not there. Here are some things you can do to help them get used to being on their own and calm their separation anxiety.
The best way to practice separation is to leave your child with other people that you trust for short amounts of time. You can hire a babysitter for a date night or schedule playdates with friends. That way, your child won’t feel like they’re being taken away from you when school starts. It can also help to learn about separation anxiety and talk to other parents about their own experiences.
If you’re going to leave your child somewhere new, you should spend some time there with them first so they feel safe and comfortable. Another thing that might help is giving your child a small gift that reminds them of you when they miss you.
Kids need a little safety net every once in a while. You should help your child find a small thing that reminds them of you that they can take with them to their new home. When they are feeling down, they can look at or play with that thing, which can help them feel better.
If your child has separation anxiety, it’s helpful to let their caregivers know ahead of time. This way, they will know what to expect and how to react. There should also be clear communication between you and your child about how long you’ll be away when you are back and that they will see you again. They’ll trust that you’ll come back more if you always do what you say you’ll do. This will help them feel better when you’re not there. You might even want to do the same things every day when you drop off your child so they get used to the pattern.
Don’t criticize your child for having trouble with being apart from you. Negative phrases like “Suck it up” or “Stop being a baby” may make them hold their feelings in instead of dealing with them, which could lead to more breakdowns. You should instead be kinder and more optimistic. The child will feel more confident if you praise them a lot and are happy when they can go their different ways and have a good day.
When dropping your child off at an Olney preschool, once you say you are leaving, its best not to go back to check on them. Don’t stay longer than you have to. If you keep checking in on them or saying goodbye for longer than planned, your child will have to go through the process of separation not once but twice or three times. Instead, say goodbye quickly, and hopefully, they’ll be able to move on more quickly.
While a normal part of child development, separation anxiety is not just something kids deal with. It is also something parents must come to terms with. Remember that this shows a deep relationship between you and your child, even though it can be challenging for both of you as their parent. Most of the time, separation anxiety resolves on its own as your child gains confidence and doesn’t need therapy.
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.