Oh, the trials of preschool drop off. Last year at this time, my daughter was suffering from a full-blown case of separation anxiety. I ended up making a very, very gradual transition into preschool, staying at her side, then in the room, then downstairs, and finally leaving. I really do not want to go through that sort of intense experience again.
Today, I drop her off at kindergarten for the first time. We’ve had a gradual entry for a few weeks and this is the week that she is officially registered. Of course, there were a fair number of tears last night. Since I need to drop her off and then head off to work on Wednesday, I have my fingers crossed that today goes well.
My attitudes towards school drop off are similar to my attitudes about entering cold water. Some people jump right in. I tiptoe, getting used to the water. Some people think that my method is more painful, and it may well be. However, it works for me.
Some children seem to take to a new environment right away. For them, the best approach might be to get them comfortable, visit the environment before school begins, and just drop them off. No tears from mom, no worries, just go. If you exude confidence, these kids will too.
For other kids, you need to craft a connection over time. I’m trying to connect with several teachers at my daughter’s school so that she will feel comfortable there. We know the space now. She knows what she is doing today. It’s all good. Of course, I still need to be relentlessly positive while acknowledging her fears. However, after our gradual entry I’m hoping that the teachers and the environment will make her comfortable enough to just go.
How do you do school, preschool, or daycare entry? What approach works for you?
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