Anxiety in children when separated from their parents is a common psychological syndrome in the 3 to 5 year old period. What should you do when your child is always worried? Follow these strategies to help your child overcome psychological barriers.
The onset of kindergarten is an anticipated milestone with lots of joy and excitement. But, it is also filled with tears. According to Katrina Green, children's special education teacher at Just Wee Two program in Brooklyn, New York: "For children, anxiety comes from completely not knowing what is going to happen".
“It takes most children the first three to four years to learn family rules and routines. They are completely unfamiliar with new rules and habits. For parents, anxiety comes from fear that their child will feel abandoned.
Read together and learn the best ways for your child to overcome anxiety. And let's start a new journey at school.
Parental consistency
Many mothers have seen their children have negative reactions to schooling. Immediately decided to take the child out of class. But that's not a good thought. “It makes the child lose the opportunity to learn to work through negative emotions. At the same time, it creates a precedent of avoiding the face of problems for children. " Green said.
You can study with your baby to help her feel more secure
In addition, parental consistency is the key to making going to school a part of a child's new habit. It's as simple as regularly preparing for school to help your baby feel stronger. When picking up your baby at the end of the day, reinforce the belief in your child that you'll always come back to pick him up just like you said. Thanks to that, every school day is no longer tears and sad greetings.
Help teachers understand your child better
Ideal if your child's teacher is a warm, caring person who can guess what your child needs. However, she is completely new to you. So share the necessary information so that your child and teacher understand each other better. "Knowing about a child's life helps me a lot in getting them acquainted with school," Green said. The child's eating, sleeping and hygiene habits are extremely important information. You should also pay attention to your child's favorite colors, games, music he likes, ...
Try to find ways to help your child and teacher get to know each other better
These things will help parents learn how to reassure their child's anxiety when they feel anxious. Besides, you should share with teachers about children's health issues. For example, food allergies.
Have your child bring a familiar item at home to school
To reduce anxiety in children and help them feel secure, you should bring your baby to bring familiar items at home. It could be a doll or blanket the baby likes even a book.
“I once met a child who joined my curriculum full of anxiety. Our first friend encouraged him to bring family photos and household items. He brought to school the whole Wole Food bag full of toys ”.
Comfortable objects seem like pretty small things to you. However, they do give children a sense of security when in an unfamiliar place. According to Green: “Children always feel the need for familiar objects even when they have no problem. Or when there are changes in the family, such as having a baby or moving, ...
Do not sneak away when taking your child to school
Your child may feel scared if you suddenly disappear. "It will take up to 10 weeks for the child to fully get used to staying in school without a mother," says Fran Walfish, a child and family psychologist, author of The Parent Aware Aware. The best way to start is to help your baby get used to being away from mom's family to study next to her. This will help the baby feel safer in the new environment ”.
In addition, the mother also needs to develop a goodbye habit for the baby. That could be anything between mother and baby agreement. For example, a hug or shake hands with the message: "See you little crocodile". When you say that, your baby will no longer be bothered by the mother's appearance. The best time to leave is when your baby is participating in a class activity.
Do not compare children with others
Don't punish your child and say something similar: "Nolan didn't cry when his mother left". "Respecting your child is the best way to keep your child's journey to school going smoothly," Green said. Don't worry, as your baby will eventually overcome the fear of being away from mom. Babies will not cry if their parents leave during their play many times.
Parents should not compare their children with other children
“Some other children need to cry for a while to get over their feelings. It's okay to let your baby cry for a while if he wants. A transition into school can take months. Especially when it coincides with the time of the family vacation or the school holiday ”. Anxiety in a child can be quickly broken down if the parents understand their child.
Stay away from surprise visits
Once you've put your baby in day care , resist the temptation to go back and see what it's like. You also don't call school every hour to check. According to Dr. Walfish: “” If you always check on your baby you will have the problem of your baby constantly asking for the arrival of his mother. Better yet, mothers should learn to approach through their child's teacher. In this way, I will feel secure that my children will be well taken care of when I'm away.
Please trust your teacher and trust yourself. Be confident that you have made the right decision in choosing the best school for your child.
Use words of encouragement to encourage children
You should also try to remind yourself: "This is the best place for you" or "Let me study here is the right decision. The purpose is to remind you of why being apart is good for both you and your baby. Then, continue repeating it as often as you need to.
The mother's encouragement has a great effect on the baby's spirit
Children can feel your mood. So if you are stressed or anxious, your baby will feel the same way. Stay calm with optimism even when you're not really happy. Give me peace of mind. According to Green, “You should remind me that I will always come back. There is always someone at school to make sure the baby is safe ”. Starting kindergarten is definitely a positive step for both you and your baby.
See more:
Things that parents should do when a child refuses to go to kindergarten
7 skills your child should have before going to kindergarten
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