Transitions are especially difficult in early childhood. Children derive so much of their security from routine, so a new challenge, like preschool, totally changes the typical routine. Therefore, every new transition is a new source of anxiety and insecurity! Some children handle this better than others. But typically children exhibit some anxiety signs—poor sleep, crying, clinging, tantruming, bedwetting, daytime ‘accidents’, withdrawal.
Parents often contribute to these anxieties with their own anxieties! Every transition for a child represents a transition for a parent as well, and preschool is the beginning of many ‘letting go’ scenarios throughout life. It never gets easy! But, children are so tuned in to their parents emotions. When a parent is upset about leaving their child, the child senses that the parent is upset. That is often interpreted by the child as “There is something frightening here. My mother doesn’t want to leave me here.” If a parent can keep herself/himself under control, by being positive, smiling, and composed, it speaks volumes to a child. Parents who can positively turn the child over to the teacher, say a positive goodbye, and then leave, will assist their child in transitioning to their new school environment. Yes, children may still cry, tantrum, and feel sad. Young children have strong emotions and strong behaviors. And they depend on the adults in their world to help them manage those emotions and behaviors. Our teachers at South Hills are trained to assist your child in his/her adjustment to the school, where we accept them and guide them.
If your child expresses that “I missed you at school and I cried.”, please let them know ‘It’s ok!”. Express that you know changes are hard, but that you know South Hills is the right school for your child, and that you also know that s/he will soon love being at school. It’s ok to miss each other; that is what being a family is all about! But it’s also so exciting to have your child share what happened in his/her day at school, just as you tell your stories about your day!
We know it takes time for parents to trust us, and we work very hard to earn your trust. We want your child to love being with us as part of the South Hills community, and we have many positive strategies to help your child ‘settle in’ and succeed. We promise to communicate with you, and enlist your help when your child is having transition difficulties. With your support, the children will all soon be deeply engaged in our routine and curriculum, and you can finally relax and enjoy the stories your child will share with you about his/her day with us!
♥Ms. Connie
Parents often contribute to these anxieties with their own anxieties! Every transition for a child represents a transition for a parent as well, and preschool is the beginning of many ‘letting go’ scenarios throughout life. It never gets easy! But, children are so tuned in to their parents emotions. When a parent is upset about leaving their child, the child senses that the parent is upset. That is often interpreted by the child as “There is something frightening here. My mother doesn’t want to leave me here.” If a parent can keep herself/himself under control, by being positive, smiling, and composed, it speaks volumes to a child. Parents who can positively turn the child over to the teacher, say a positive goodbye, and then leave, will assist their child in transitioning to their new school environment. Yes, children may still cry, tantrum, and feel sad. Young children have strong emotions and strong behaviors. And they depend on the adults in their world to help them manage those emotions and behaviors. Our teachers at South Hills are trained to assist your child in his/her adjustment to the school, where we accept them and guide them.
If your child expresses that “I missed you at school and I cried.”, please let them know ‘It’s ok!”. Express that you know changes are hard, but that you know South Hills is the right school for your child, and that you also know that s/he will soon love being at school. It’s ok to miss each other; that is what being a family is all about! But it’s also so exciting to have your child share what happened in his/her day at school, just as you tell your stories about your day!
We know it takes time for parents to trust us, and we work very hard to earn your trust. We want your child to love being with us as part of the South Hills community, and we have many positive strategies to help your child ‘settle in’ and succeed. We promise to communicate with you, and enlist your help when your child is having transition difficulties. With your support, the children will all soon be deeply engaged in our routine and curriculum, and you can finally relax and enjoy the stories your child will share with you about his/her day with us!
♥Ms. Connie
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