Separation anxiety disorder is a completely normal stage for your child to go through, according to MayoClinic.com. While you may think your child's anxiety is a reaction to your leaving, it's more of a response to changes--and his fear of those changes. Preparing your child for school and daycare can make the transition easier and less tear-filled for you and your preschooler. Use tips to help reduce your preschooler's separation anxiety.
Practice
Give your preschooler plenty of practice with spending time away from you. This can make her feel more comfortable when you drop her off at daycare, preschool or a friend's house, according to HealthyPlace.com. Try short trips to a family member's or friend's house. Engage your child in a fun activity while you're gone, and make the trip short--30 minutes to an hour is enough. Your child will learn that when you're gone, you always come back. She'll also learn to play and focus on something else while you're away.
Preparation
When a big change is coming up in your preschooler's life, the right preparation can go a long way in helping him understand those changes. Without explanation, your preschooler may feel as though events are changing against his will. This may make him even more resistant to change. Sit down with your preschooler and explain what will be happening, recommends PreschoolersToday.com. Talk about the schedule and precisely how long it will take for you to come back. Help him keep track of time--provide your child with a timer, watch or clock.
Visit School
Take the time to visit the school or daycare your preschooler will attend. Introduce her to the teacher. This may help calm your preschooler's separation fears, according to Scholastic.com. This visit gives her a chance to get used to the environment before you leave her there. You company provides her with a safety net during her first visit. This gives her the chance to explore the area and get to know her teacher. When the time comes for her first day, she'll feel like she's visiting an old friend and playing with familiar toys.
Consistency
Consistency is the key to reducing your child's fears about separation in any situation, recommends KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation. Leaving your child for long periods of time without telling him, being late to pick him up or instituting different rules for when he's away from you can make him feel scared and confused. Make sure that each time you separate, it's done in the same fashion and you keep your promises. For example, if you say you'll be back at a certain time, fulfill that promise. Your preschooler will learn to expect consistency, which can help soothe his fears.
