Parents work very hard to help prepare their children for the first day of school. They go through a variety of techniques to ensure that that their little ones feel safe and comfortable when entering into an unfamiliar environment. However, in all their efforts to protect their children, parents neglect to acknowledge their own feelings about the new transition.
It is very frightening for parents to let go of their children for the first time, even if it is just for a few hours. Yet, it is very important for parents to remember that this step helps encourage independence and teaches them the how to interact with others in a society. Feelings of guilt are the most common among parents, resulting in the inability to detach from their children. There are many other factors that play into separation anxiety:
Fearing the Unknown
The fear of letting go the responsibility of control is always hard for parents. Children are entering into an environment where they will be learning to become socialized and less dependent on mom and dad. During this developmental period, parents also worry about how their children will behave. They fear that if their children misbehave it will be a negative reflection on their parenting skills. Not having the ability to control children's behavior while in school causes parents to feel anxious as their children transition from home to preschool.
Taking the time to get to know the teacher and staff at the new school is an excellent way for parents to alleviate stress for themselves and for their children. Building trust in the people that will be taking care of their children throughout the day is one of the most important steps to dealing with separation anxiety. The unknown will soon become familiar for both children and parents, creating a sense of security and comfort.
Additional Ways to Help with Separation Anxiety
It is very frightening for parents to let go of their children for the first time, even if it is just for a few hours. Yet, it is very important for parents to remember that this step helps encourage independence and teaches them the how to interact with others in a society. Feelings of guilt are the most common among parents, resulting in the inability to detach from their children. There are many other factors that play into separation anxiety:
- Worry that children will not adjust to the new school
- Miss spending time with their children
- Trust issues about the school and teachers
- Worry who might be taking care of their children
Fearing the Unknown
The fear of letting go the responsibility of control is always hard for parents. Children are entering into an environment where they will be learning to become socialized and less dependent on mom and dad. During this developmental period, parents also worry about how their children will behave. They fear that if their children misbehave it will be a negative reflection on their parenting skills. Not having the ability to control children's behavior while in school causes parents to feel anxious as their children transition from home to preschool.
Taking the time to get to know the teacher and staff at the new school is an excellent way for parents to alleviate stress for themselves and for their children. Building trust in the people that will be taking care of their children throughout the day is one of the most important steps to dealing with separation anxiety. The unknown will soon become familiar for both children and parents, creating a sense of security and comfort.
Additional Ways to Help with Separation Anxiety
Comments
I don't think I put my parents through this, and I never had kids, but a nicely written article!
Comment 1 (of 1)
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