Before we know it, kids are grown and ready to step into daycare and preschool. The early years are crucial for laying a strong foundation for a child’s future, and early childhood education plays a vital role in promoting their overall development. However, for some preschoolers, the experience of being away from their home and parents can trigger intense emotions such as fear and distress, resulting in separation anxiety. It is important to understand and address separation anxiety to ensure a smooth transition for both children and parents. Recognizing the signs helps parents provide the necessary support and comfort to their young children.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage that occurs in children around 18 months of age and often resolves by the time the child is 3 years old. But sometimes even kids who are used to going to daycare and preschool are stuck with their parents after being home for long periods of time due to holidays or illness. A child with separation anxiety is very worried about being separated from family members or caregivers. (Also read: Tips to improve children’s mental health,
Sibi Fakih, Head of Curriculum Development, Kangaroo Kids, shared with HT Digital some practical tips for parents to recognize and overcome separation anxiety in children.
Identifying Separation Anxiety
a) They cling: Children may cling to their parents, unwilling to let them go, even in familiar environments.
b) Tears and tantrums occur: Preschoolers may cry, scream, or throw tantrums when their caregivers try to leave them.
c) Fear of separation triggers: Activities such as going to school, daycare, or even leaving the house can become anxiety triggers, causing stomach aches, headaches, or nausea.
d) Difficulty sleeping alone: Disturbed sleep, nightmares, and refusal to sleep alone in a room separate from the caregiver are common during this stage.
“Experts believe separation anxiety is caused by both biological and environmental factors. A child may inherit a tendency to be anxious. An imbalance of 2 chemicals (norepinephrine and serotonin) in the brain most likely play a role However, it is important to acknowledge that “children may also get anxiety and fear from their family members and other individuals around them,” says Siby. “Children are intelligent and can understand their parents’ feelings.”
She added, “If caregivers show anxious behavior during separation, it can increase the child’s anxiety. A sudden change in environment or a traumatic event like losing a grandparent can also intensify their feelings. However It’s natural for children to experience this phase.” , extended periods (more than 8 weeks) and interference with normal daily activities require careful consideration.”
addressing separation anxiety
Here are several strategies suggested by Sibi that parents and caregivers can implement to help their young children overcome separation anxiety and adjust to new settings and environments.
a) Prepare your child: Inform your child about the change and accompany them to daycare or preschool in advance. Exchange hello with the people present there.
b) Encourage expression: Let your child express his feelings and fears about the separation. Listening to them and acknowledging their feelings can help them understand. Sit with them and reason, give them an understanding of the bigger world they are a part of.
c) Rely on empathetic thinking: Read books about characters who face similar fears but ultimately enjoy preschool. Arrange play dates with other preschoolers and role-play real-life scenarios with toys, acting out the experience of going to preschool and returning home as entertainment.
d) Gradual separation: Start with short periods of isolation and gradually increase the duration. This helps the child become more comfortable with the idea of being away from their caregiver.
e) Use a visual calendar: Uncertainty can promote separation anxiety. So create a visual calendar or picture schedule to help them understand how their day will go and when they will meet with their family.
f) Bring some comfort: A special toy or blanket can provide comfort to the child during the separation, serving as a familiar reminder of their caregiver.
g) Remain calm and confident: Be calm and reassuring when saying goodbye to your child. Let them know that you will return and keep your promises. Comforters like “I’ll be right back here to pick you up after school,” “You can call me whenever you need me,” and “I want you to know how much I love you.” Statements can help the child feel comfortable and even more open to the idea of a short separation.
h) Encourage independence: Let children practice age-appropriate life skills like feeding themselves, wearing shoes, etc. so that they can gain confidence in doing things on their own.
“Patience, empathy and open communication are key elements in supporting preschoolers during this sensitive period. By nurturing a supportive and understanding approach, primary caregivers, teachers and parents can help preschoolers overcome separation anxiety and develop healthy emotional development. can empower them to walk on the path of learning and successful learning,” Sibi concluded.
