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My son had separation anxiety and Pre-K last year and he has it again at the start of Kindergarten when I drop him off. He knows that we are coming back to get him each day, yet he is quite clingy on the way into school. He's in the same school with many of the same kids. What do you recommend to make him fell more at ease?
Separation anxiety is common in prekindergarten and kindergarten students. Children at this stage of development are learning to take initiative and try new activities. They can worry about not doing things right or not being successful in the new tasks and making friends.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Role play and practice at home common situations in a school day. For example, saying hello to friends and teachers, asking a friend to play on the playground, trying a new lesson, etc. Each family member can play a role (student, parent, teacher, another student) or they can assign stuffed animals or dolls a role and play the scene.
- Try not to mirror your child’s anxiety and instead acknowledge it and help them to choose simple ways to manage their worries before and during school. Activities like taking a deep breath, keeping a favorite item from home in their backpack, and planning out how to try one new thing in school that week can reassure them that “they got this!”
If children continue to struggle with clinginess or avoidance of going into school you can reach out to the school counselor or support person for assistance.
