Separation Anxiety Preschool, Toddlers
and Infants
Conquering Separation Anxiety
In Preschool
Separation anxiety is a
disorder that supposedly occurs to
children around the age of eight months
to a couple of years. This situation
often resolves itself when the child is
assured that the parents or the object of
its anxiety consistently returns.
Separation anxiety in preschool can also
occur to some children. The
main cause of separation anxiety in
preschool is the appearance of several
new faces in the child's world like those
of the teachers and
classmates.
The overwhelming sensation of new faces
can undo even the most confident child. This coupled with
the fact that the parent or parents who brought him over
attempts to leave can trigger separation anxiety in most
children. Separation anxiety in preschool age children is
to be expected and should not be belittled by both
parents and teachers.
Treating Separation Anxiety
During Preschool
Separation anxiety treatment for
children around early school age can be similar to
treating the separation anxiety that occurred when the
child was younger. Separation anxiety in preschool aged
children is something that parents should deal with
before the child even knows that he's supposed to go to
school. Parents can start by bringing the child around to
the school that he is supposed to go to or any other
school for a short look and see. As the child gets
accustomed to seeing school children going to and from
school, he might even want to go himself. Practicing
separation for just a few periods of time can also
help.
Getting over separation anxiety in
preschool can also be done by introducing the child to
the teacher handling hi class before the school starts. A
nice play and get together session can inspire trust in
the teacher and help the child get to know her better.
Another way to help overcome separation anxiety in
preschool is to always be there when the child comes out
from school and to be a positive example when leaving the
child. An encouraging parent is better than an angry one,
when it comes to saying good
bye.
Introducing your child to a lot of
people can also help overcome separation anxiety during
preschool. As your child gets more and more sociable, he
will get used to the fact that there are a lot of people
in his life and can readily accept the presence of
newcomers. It may also help to time the introduction of
school during a happy time. Bringing your child to school
for the first time should be during a time when all is
calm and relaxed.Set aside time to be visible to your
child during the first day of class, even just for the
good bye and the dismissal.