10 Tips for Parents & Early Childhood Success
The beginning of the school year for Early Childhood students can bring a whirlwind of emotions for both children and parents. Laughter, tears, clinging, and acting out are all part of the journey as your little one adjusts to their new routine at Davidson Day School. Rest assured, some anxiety is completely normal developmental behavior in toddlers and young learners.
Here are Ten Tips for Parents and Early Childhood Success: Minimize Separation Anxiety & Maximize Child Autonomy:
- Know and Trust your Professional Educators: Nurture a positive relationship with your child's teacher. Our Davidson Day School educators are experienced professionals who understand child development and have helped countless families through this transition. Building trust with them creates a strong foundation for your child's success.
- Prepare for Success: Set your child up for positive days by adjusting schedules and expectations. Ensure your little one is well-rested, fed, and calm before arriving at school. A good morning routine can make all the difference.
- Be Efficient: Have lunches, coats, water bottles, and other essentials packed and ready before drop-off. This allows your child to carry their own items, fostering independence and confidence from the very start of their day.
- Create a Simple Goodbye Ritual Filled with Love: Develop a farewell routine. For example, say and do… “One hug, one kiss,” and “I love you,” then help them exit the car. This predictable sequence provides security and comfort.
- Keep it Short and Be Consistent: Whatever goodbye routine you choose, stick with it every single time. Consistency is crucial – avoid varying your approach as this can create uncertainty and anxiety.
- Maintain Calm and Confident Exits: Your child takes emotional cues from you. When they see that you're calm and confident about leaving them at school, they understand that there's nothing to worry about. Your peaceful demeanor is contagious.
- Give Yourself a Pep Talk and a Deadline: Plan to meet a friend for coffee, schedule your workout, or make an appointment after drop-off to help hold yourself accountable for an efficient goodbye.
- Think of Early Childhood as a Life Lesson: Remember that learning to navigate school independently is a crucial developmental milestone. Your child has an important job to do at school, just like you have your responsibilities. This perspective helps frame school as an exciting opportunity rather than a separation.
- Accept and Encourage Imperfections: Resist the urge to do everything for your child. The longer we unpack their backpack, adjust their shoes, or hang their coat for them, the slower their progress toward independence. Sometimes helping too much can actually fuel anxiety.
- Affirm and Repeat: At the end of each day, remind your child that you came back to pick them up just as promised. Highlight all the ways they were successful, strong, and smart at school. These positive affirmations build confidence for tomorrow.
Wisdom From the Experts:
“Every unnecessary help is a hindrance” - Mary Montessori, Physician and Educator
“Your separation issues could be feeding your child’s. If you are having trouble separating, your child will always pick this up. One way you can help you both feel better is by developing a trusting relationship with the teacher.” - Diane Levin, PhD
“As hard as it may be to leave a child who's screaming and crying for you, it's important to have confidence that the caregiver can handle it. By the time you get to your car, your child is likely to have calmed down and be playing with other things.” - Leah J. Orchinik, PhD
“Stay calm and behave as you typically would. With young kids, it’s not our words that matter as much as how we respond and how we act. If we’re confident and relaxed in a situation, that sends a signal to our child.” - John T. Parkhurst, PhD
“Parents are usually very reluctant to separate themselves because they know their child is worrying, but by being reluctant, they’re actually reinforcing the fear rather than reinforcing the effort to separate.” - Jerry Bubrick, PhD
Feel free to contact Early Childhood & Lower School Counselor Patience Perry for additional support, coaching, or questions.
Davidson Day School
©2020 Davidson Day School. All Rights Reserved.
©2020 Davidson Day School. All Rights Reserved.