How to Separate With Your Child for Kindergarten

The milestone of starting kindergarten is significant for both you and your child. Some children and parents experience separation anxiety about saying goodbye to each other when it̵7;s time to enter kindergarten. Although going to school may be new or different, encourage your child positively to make the separation easier for everyone. With patience, your child will make the transition to school successfully.

Instructions

  1. Advance Preparation

    • 1

      Make an appointment to visit the school where your child will attend kindergarten to enable you and your child to visit, recommends the children's mental health specialists at the Lucy Daniels Center. Optimally, during this time, you will have an opportunity to tour the campus and view the areas where your child will visit as a student, including classrooms, lunchroom, bathrooms, playground, gymnasium and library.

    • 2

      Attend the appointment with your child, allowing enough time to tour the school. Meet the teacher and let your child and the teacher chat to form a brief connection that your child can remember.

    • 3

      Connect with a current kindergartener your child or family may know. Spend a few minutes chatting together with this kindergartener to find out what kindergarten is like. Give your child a chance to ask questions about issues or unknowns.

    • 4

      Talk with your child about the upcoming kindergarten year to discuss concerns and anticipated activities. If your child has specific issues worrying her, talk about the issues and strive to find resolution to put your child̵7;s mind at ease. Encourage your child to come to you with questions or concerns, telling her that you will help her resolve issues.

    • 5

      Shop together for kindergarten supplies, clothing and shoes. Allow your child to pick items out to become more invested and excited in the upcoming school year.

    Saying Good-Bye

    • 6

      Keep the morning routine relaxed and positive as you prepare for the first day of kindergarten. Allow plenty of time for your child to dress, eat and spend a little time connecting with family before it̵7;s time to leave for school.

    • 7

      Create a special good-bye routine for saying good-bye at school that you and your child will repeat every day, suggests the BoxTops4Education website. A special hand gesture, a specific phrase and a certain number of kisses can be comforting to a child who needs to separate from parents. Repeat the routine every day to give your child continuity.

    • 8

      Tell your child that you̵7;ll see him after school and leave your child when it̵7;s time to go. Although your child may resist and show sadness or anxiety, the teaching staff has excellent training to help children adjust and proceed through the separation process. You could make it harder for your child if you linger and show your own anxiety.

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