Here’s how parents can help their kid’s separation anxiety

If your kid is starting at a new Dee Why kindergarten or is moving to a new classroom, you might notice that dropping your child off has become more difficult than usual. Although not all kids experience separation anxiety, it is common for some to become upset when saying goodbye to their parents. Though it can be very unsettling for you as a parent, remember going through this phase is typical in early development. To help the little ones through this developmental stage, parents should understand what drives separation anxiety.

What is separation anxiety?

Different factors can trigger separation anxiety. Still, kids experience one when they are being separated from their primary caregivers, who they feel comfortable with and trust the most. Parents may experience this when they leave for work, drop their children at daycare Dee Why, or sometimes even when leaving a room. When you try to leave, your kid may become clingy and cry. Separation anxiety can start as early as infancy and last throughout preschool years, while some kids might never endure it at all. Children will also experience different degrees of separation anxiety; for instance, some might feel it when their parents leave them somewhere, even if it is just to go to the next room in the house, while others might experience it only when some significant changes happen in their life such as starting at a new daycare.

How to support separation anxiety?

Watching your child getting upset when you leave can be unsettling for parents. To help you out, here are a few ways you can help ease your child’s separation anxiety.

If you know that an upcoming big change can trigger separation anxiety in your child, maybe starting at a new child care, prepare them for the change in advance. At child care centres, Dee Why the staff encourage parents to schedule visits before the first day so that kids can become familiar with the teachers and the environment before they start full time. This can help your little ones feel like they are a part of a trusting community.

Create a quick goodbye routine:

This can be something as simple as a cute goodbye phrase, setting your child with a blanket and a book or creating a special handshake while you leave. Whatever you choose, try to make your goodbye sweet and short. The more you stay, the more upset your little one will likely become when it is time to leave.

Be consistent:

Once you establish a drop off routine, stick to it. At first, this might be hard to do, but, eventually, your child will start expecting it. Consistency will help diminish separation anxiety.

Keep your promises:

Some parents like to help their kid’s anxiety by telling them when they will come back. If you do, make sure you keep your promises to them, as this will help build your little one’s trust and confidence when you are apart.

Remember, experiencing separation anxiety is a normal part of development in children. If you are concerned about your kid’s separation anxiety, use the tips above for additional support.

How to Teach Your Child to be Kind? Here are 5 Tips

 

Most of us strive to make this world a better place. It all starts from home! As a parent, it is your responsibility to raise your child to be kind and compassionate to others. Kindness doesn’t happen naturally in your child. It is something that must be taught to them by yourself alongside the guidance of a Dee Why childrens centre. Many children tend to be helpful, but you have to put in the work towards motivating this behaviour even further. Here’s what you can do to teach kindness to your child:

Be a role model:

When you want your child to be kind and helpful to others, remember that you have to exhibit these traits yourself. When you respect other people and treat them with kindness, your child will start to do the same. As your child grows, they will constantly observe how you interact with others. Even things as simple as opening the door for an elderly will inspire your child to be good to everyone.

Teach good manners:

Most people appreciate polite interactions. Teach your child the two important words “Please” and “Thank You” that must be used in conversations. There are other important habits that your child should learn and practice. Some of them suggested by a Dee Why childrens centre include:

• Waiting for your turn to speak
• Apologising for rude behaviour
• Writing a Thank You note after getting a gift, and more.

Teach perspective taking:

Perspective taking is an important aspect that every child should know. This skill will help your child understand how others feel in a specific situation. Let your child ask themselves “What would I feel if that happened to me?”

When your child sees someone else struggling with something, get them to think how they would’ve felt about the same. By stepping into other person’s shoes, they can think of ways to help. It’s important to nurture empathy and creative thinking in your child early on.

Self-Compassion is Important too:

Being kind to yourself is as much important as being kind to others. Your child should be able to understand the importance of self-love and self-compassion. Help them practise self-compassion by letting them accept their own feelings, or a write a love letter to themselves. Here are some important points suggested by a Dee Why childrens centre:

• Even if you make a mistake, you must continue to appreciate yourself.
• Talk to yourself in a positive way and know that you matter.
• Eat well, get good sleep, and don’t be hard on yourself.

Volunteer to help Others:

People appreciate those that are selfless. Encourage your child to help others whenever they can. For instance, if your child loves animals, let them make a small donation to an animal shelter. Volunteering as a family is also ideal, as it strengthens your relations and helps your child to be compassionate at the same time.

Being kind to others makes anyone feel happier. If you need any further assistance, talk to the staff at a Dee Why kindergarten today.