Separation anxiety is a common experience for young children entering daycare, but with the right strategies, caregivers can help ease this transition, making both the child and family feel more comfortable. Here are some age-appropriate methods that daycare providers can use to create a smoother, more positive experience for children dealing with separation anxiety.
Infants and Toddlers
For infants, establishing a sense of familiarity and connection is key.
Use Their Name and Eye Contact: Begin by saying the baby’s name to get their attention and make gentle eye contact. This helps the child feel noticed and secure.
Introduce Familiar Surroundings: Slowly walk around the room, pointing out recognizable items such as their crib or favorite toys. This reinforces a sense of familiarity.
Help with Goodbye Rituals: Many families struggle with their own separation anxiety, so create a gentle goodbye routine. Hold the baby and take a few steps away from the family, then offer comforting phrases like, “Have a nice day, Mommy,” or “I’ll miss you too, Daddy.” This can provide reassurance for both the child and the family.
Engage in Soothing Activities: Distract and comfort the baby with simple, calming activities such as a game of peek-a-boo, offering a favorite toy, singing a song, or sitting in a rocking chair.
These strategies help the infant transition gradually, reducing both the child’s and the family’s anxiety.
Preschoolers
For preschoolers, a predictable and engaging environment can significantly ease separation anxiety.
Establish a Routine: Consistency is key for preschoolers. Develop a familiar morning routine and encourage families to do the same. Use the child’s name and make eye contact during each greeting.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: When helping a child choose an activity, try open-ended questions like, “What puzzle would you like to do this morning?” This gives the child a sense of control and encourages engagement.
Create a Calm Space: Having a quiet corner in the classroom can provide a space for the child to calm down and refocus. This can be helpful in redirecting their attention when they feel distressed.
Use Predictive Goodbye Phrases: Help the child wave goodbye to family members, saying phrases like “See you after naptime!” or “See you after outdoor play!” This provides a sense of security by giving the child a timeframe for their family’s return.
Offer Familiar Activities and Toys: Have a variety of familiar toys, games, and activities ready. Children feel more at ease when they recognize favorite items.
Play Guessing Games: Engage the child in guessing games to create excitement about the day ahead, such as “Guess what we’re doing in art today?” These games draw the child’s attention to positive experiences.
Encourage Warm Welcomes: Be generous with welcoming words and gestures. Warm, positive interactions help children feel more connected to the classroom.
Partnering with Families
Building a partnership with families can also be instrumental in helping children feel secure.
Ask About Their Morning: Before family members leave, ask if anything unusual happened that might explain the child’s anxiety. This can provide insight into the child’s current mood and help you respond accordingly.
Allow Comfort Items: If possible, allow children to bring small familiar items, like a family photo, to help them feel connected to home. These items can be great tools for redirecting the child’s attention if they become distressed.
Engage the Child in Special Tasks: Enlist the child’s help with a task or let them choose from a selection of fun activities. Use open-ended questions to make them feel involved and valued.
Buddy System: Pairing the anxious child with a more comfortable peer can help ease them into the group environment.
Seeking Support
Finally, remember that every child is different, and separation anxiety may present unique challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a mentor teacher or director if you’re feeling unsure. Together, you can create a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where each child feels safe and valued.
With these thoughtful strategies, caregivers can help ease children’s anxiety and foster a smoother transition, building positive associations with their daycare experience.
Training Recommendation:
Social Emotional Development of Young Children
Description: This course will teach childcare professionals how to guide children to make connections with the world through healthy social-emotional behaviors. Professionals will understand the purpose of social-emotional learning and learn guidance techniques to encourage young children to self-regulate their emotions.
About the Author:
Sheika Petteway, as CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises, delivers impactful educational and leadership training tailored to individuals and organizations, helping to build capacity and inspire growth across sectors.
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