Help with Goodbyes

As your child steps out to school, it is a big moment for you both. It is healthy for your child to be hesitant to be left at preschool. His/her hesitance is an indication of the strong bond he/she has with you.

The following are some suggestions on how to cope with this hesitancy:

1. Prepare yourself ahead of time.
2. Plan a goodbye ritual, such as a hug, kiss, or wave.
3. Do say goodbye. Don’t just slip away when the child is not looking. We’d rather deal with a few minutes of tears than a child feeling abandoned.
4. Pick up your child on time. Be the first parent rather than the last parent to arrive. As your child learns to trust that you will always come back to get him/her when you say you will, being at preschool will be a more comfortable experience.