The Nebula School will be starting soon!At the beginning of the school year, many families may face a challenge, which will be like:

— The child starts to cry, resist, and do not want to go to school even after parents have talked it through right before the school day.

— The child has arrived at the school gate, but still cling to the parent and not let go, no matter how parents may comfort the child, they just don’t want to get into the school.

If this happens, it means the child is having separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a strong emotional reaction of uneasiness, fear and attachment that occurs when a young child is being separated from his or her primary caregiver (usually parents or grandparents), and can be very strong when the child is in a new environment such as attending school for the first time.Having emotional reaction is very common as the child is developing psychologically, and it can be greatly released if the parents know the right tips.

What can parents do to help children with separation anxiety?

01 Prepare for The First Day

Visit before school starts: before the first day of school, parents may visit the campus with children to get them familiar with the environment in advance and reduce fear.

The Nebula School will hold a Hello Visit before the start of the fall school year, which provides an excellent opportunity for children to know the environment and the teachers in advance.

Introduce school life: After learning about the day-to-day routine at Nebula School during the Hello Visit, parents may introduce their child to school life at home and make it something they all fell excited about.

02 Establish a Stable Daily Routine

Regular routine: After knowing the school schedule, parents may try to adjust the child’s routine at home and make it consistent with the school schedule as much as possible, including waking up, meals, nap, and play time. This will help children adapt to the school routine more quickly.

Fixed procedures: At the same time, parents may also help to set up fixed procedures before entering school, such as getting dressed, washing up, having breakfast, saying goodbye, etc., so that children will know all the steps before going to school, which will reduce the anxiety caused by uncertainty.

03 Provide the Child with Enough Sense of Security

Emotional support: the reason why children have separation anxiety is because of their fear of “separation” from their mom and dad. They are afraid that they will never see mom and dad again, so parents may let the child realize that they will not disappear and the separation is only temporary. Parents should give children enough love and companionship, through hugs, kisses, comfort and other ways, so that children could feel the love and support from their parents.

Promise and fulfillment: parents may also clearly tell their children that they will pick them up on time and always keep their promises, so that the child would believe that their parents’ love is stable and reliable.

04 Trust in Teachers And Trust in School

Children’s behavior is often influenced by adults. If parents are hesitating, being worried that their child will not adapt to the school environment, or that they will keep crying, then this anxiety will be passed to the child, and they may become even more resistant to coming to the school.

Therefore, we hope that before the child enters the school, parents may trust the teacher and the school first. This trust is actually sending a positive and safe signal to the child, making it easier for the child to accept and adapt to the new environment, and be more courageous to face separation anxiety and other challenges.

05 Encourage Children Make Friends in School

Mixed-age environment: Montessori class is a mixed-age environment. In the Nebula School, older children are often the role models, and they will guide new children to adapt to the group more quickly.

Positive guidance and feedback: When a child makes new friends or participates in activities at the Nebula School, parents are encouraged to provide positive and active feedback to help children become more socially motivated and confident, and have wonderful experience in getting along with their peers.

Tips for dropping off in the morning:

01 Who is the best person to bring the child to school?

Ideally, it is the best to have a family member (e.g. parent or primary caregiver) who the child is usually closest to and trusts. This allows the child to start the day with familiar company and reduces separation anxiety.

02 Please remember to arrive the school on time

Always send the child to school on time, as it also helps them to develop a good sense of time.

03 Have a simple good-by ritual

Set up a short but sweet goodbye ritual such as a hug, kiss and tell your child, “I love you, you’re going to have a great day, and Mommy/Daddy will pick you up at the end of the school day.” Such a ritual allows the child to feel the love and support of the parent while setting a positive tone for the separation.

A special “goodbye” gesture or love language can be agreed upon as a little secret between the two of you, making it fun and reducing tension for the child.

04 Parents Should Leave without Hesitation

Once the good-bye ritual is completed, parents should leave quickly but also gently, avoiding dragging behind or showing reluctance. A long stay may increase the child’s separation anxiety and make it more difficult for the child to adapt to the new environment.

If the child is crying, parents should leave firmly after a brief reassurance and trust that teachers are capable of calming the child. It is also important to avoid sneaking away or promising to pick up the child too early, as this may create expectations that cannot be fulfilled.

05 Bring Some Comfort Objects

With early communication, children may bring one or two beloved comfort objects. These items will provide your child a sense of security and familiarity, and will help to ease the anxiety of starting school. However, it is important to note that reliance on these objects should be gradually reduced as the child becomes more used to the school environment.

Every staff member of Nebula School is looking forward to the return and arrival of our children!