Contributed by Sharon Boh

“I Keep a Kiss in My Pocket”

Separation anxiety is very normal among preschoolers, especially those who are going to school for the first time. It is quite natural for children to cry, whine, and cling to their parents during the first few days of school. They are, after all, being placed in a new environment with unfamiliar faces. Separation can be painful for both parents and child here are a few tips to help ease the stress.

• Prepare your child for the separation; take them to visit their new school and teachers. Check out books from the library about starting a new school.
• Tell your child what you will be doing while you are gone. Explaining to them “I will be at work while you are at school” can help the child feel secure.
• Talk about what the child will be doing in school while you are at work. “Today is Friday and Mr. David will be coming to sing at your school.”
• Give your child a time that you will be returning. If you measure time the way your child does you could say “After snack I will be back.”
• Prepare yourself! Remember no matter how well prepared you and your child both are there will be days that it is harder than ever. Remember learning to be independent is a process.
• Developing a good-bye ritual can help your child say good-bye. We use the song “Kiss in My Pocket” We printed the words for our parents and listen to the song as we are preparing for breakfast during drop off time.

We recently made our families very special Valentine’s Gifts. We took photos of each child blowing a kiss. We glued the photos onto heart cut-outs and laminated them. We attached a ring for keys and now our parents will be able to keep a kiss in their pocket all day long!