The first days of school are rapidly approaching with new experiences and routines, and new relationships with teachers and friends. Though it’s a time of excitement, young children tend to experience some anxiety with changes in their daily routine. In fact, we as parents can struggle being anxious ourselves. However, it’s our job to help our children face challenges and to explore the world around them. It’s important to help your child develop a sense of independence and self-confidence. We are here to help them take on some of these new experiences.
Separation anxiety can be extremely challenging for both the child and parents. It’s defined as a debilitating attachment between parent and child rendering the child to cope without the parents’ presence. This anxiety is caused by a fear of the unknown to the child when it comes to a new situation. It’s common among children and a perfectly natural process, and it will pass.
The Montessori environment aspires to help children develop feelings of support, security, and self-esteem. Children look for comfort and reassurance from caring adults. They need to know they are safe physically and emotionally. A teachers role-play in helping with separation anxiety is creating a welcoming atmosphere with positive encouragement for the child and parents.
Remember separation anxiety can strike at any point during the school year. Here are some tips to help you and your child conquer separation anxiety:
- Prepare your child ahead of time for drop-off procedures
- Set a goodbye routine
- Make goodbyes short and sweet
- Trust your child’s teacher and communicate with them at appropriate times
- Be punctual for arrival and departure times
The Montessori environment aims to develop children physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Our environment is to help and allow children to develop according to their inner laws of development so that they may rise to a more peaceful and enduring way of life.
