Helping Parents Cope With Separating From Their Child at School

Helping Parents Cope With Separating From Their Child at School<br /><br />Its normal to feel a bit anxious as your child heads off to school without you. You might worry that shell get hurt or feel sad and you wont be there to comfort her. You might also feel like youre missing out on something important in your childs life because you dont get to stay at school and watch her make new discoveries. Ease your anxieties by walking your child to her classroom and asking her about the things in the classroom. That makes it even more difficult for you to separate and leave your child at school. If your child doesnt want to go to school, remind him of a few fun things hes done lately. Not only will that build anticipation for another enjoyable day at school, but itll also ease your worries because youll get to see your child excited about school rather than dreading it. Ease separation anxiety even more by having a goodbye ritual that might include a kiss, hug or high five. The ritual will help prepare both of you for the separation.Tips for CopingYoull probably always miss your child when youre apart, but you can ease the worry and sadness that you feel when youre not together. Stay busy with your job or with hobbies that you enjoy. You might take a class or spend time browsing in your favorite stores. The time will pass more quickly if youre not focused on missing your child. Make a breakfast or lunch date with other parents who are going through the same thing you are. You can offer one another support as you make it through this tough time. Exchange special items with your child. Perhaps your daughter could wear one of your necklaces and you could borrow a piece of her dress up jewelry. You might give your child a picture of you and put a picture of her in your pocket. Spend a few minutes in the classroom at drop off, too. Take note of a few items you can ask your child about later. If you feel panicky or break out in a cold sweat at the thought of leaving your child at school, speak with your doctor about underlying anxiety problems or stress thats causing your misgivings. If its your child that has separation anxiety, which is characterized by fear of being alone, fear that something will happen to you and an extreme aversion against going to school, speak with his pediatrician. There are treatments that will ease both of your anxiety so that drop off doesnt need to be something you both dread.