5. Put a picture of you in her pocket.
Print and laminate a small photo of you or your family and put it in your child’s pocket each day. You might also consider a locket necklace for the same reason. Tell her that, when she misses you, pull out the photo and say “hello mommy, see you soon!”
6. Act it out.
I’m a fan of pretend play. This is a great tool for teaching and exploring emotions, including those first day jitters. Set up a pretend classroom and pretend you are dropping your child off there.
Go through the routine (using the loving ritual from #3), and leave them in the room. Disappear for a few minutes and then come back in, using your reconnecting ritual. Role play several times, allowing your child to be the parent while you be the child, and let your child even pretend to be the teacher or caretaker if he wants. Have fun with it! You can practice this routine several times before the real transition actually happens.
First day jitters are common for kids and parents, alike. Face those feelings of separation anxiety or uncertainty head on. Despite the changes that will be coming, they won’t be feel as daunting once you’ve found ways to remain connected.
Need more tips for first day jitters? Here are 10 more tips for a more peaceful preschool drop-off routine.
