Children quickly mature and become ready to enter preschools and daycare centers. Early childhood education is essential for supporting a child’s holistic development throughout the formative years, which are critical for building a solid basis for their future. Separation anxiety, however, can occur when preschoolers experience being away from their parents and home because of strong emotions like dread and sadness.
Hindustan Times Digital spoke with Sibi Fakih, Lead Curriculum Development at Kangaroo Kids, about some helpful advice for parents on recognizing and treating separation anxiety in young children.
Tracing separation anxiety in 4 symptoms
a) Tend to cling to parent: Even in comfortable settings, kids may find it difficult to let go of their parents.
b) Unruly behaviour and tantrums: When their parents or guardians try to leave them, preschoolers may shout, weep, or act out.
c) Fear leads to triggered behaviour: Certain activities, such as leaving the house, going to daycare or school, might set off anxiety triggers that result in headaches, nausea, or stomachaches.
d) Trouble sleeping separately: During this stage, it’s typical to experience nightmares, sleep problems, and a refusal to sleep alone in a different room from the caregiver.
“Experts believe that separation anxiety is caused by both biological and environmental factors. A child may inherit a tendency to be anxious. An imbalance of 2 chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine and serotonin) most likely plays a part. However, it’s important to acknowledge that children can also pick up anxiety and fear from their family members and other individuals around them. Children are perceptive and can pick up on their parent’s emotions,” stated Sibi.
She included, “If caregivers display anxious behaviour during separations, it can amplify the child’s anxiety. Sudden changes in the environment or a traumatic incident like the loss of a grandparent can also intensify their feelings. While it is natural for children to experience this phase, extended duration (more than 8 weeks) and interference with typical daily activities call for careful consideration.”
Ways to resolve Separation Anxiety
a) Get your child ready: Talk to them about the change and take them to the preschool or daycare in advance.
b) Promote expression: Permit your child to share their thoughts and anxieties regarding being apart from you. They can feel more understood if you listen to them and accept the feelings they are experiencing.
c) Rely on empathy: Read stories about characters who experience comparable anxieties but go on to love preschool. Set up playdates with other preschoolers and use toys to act out real-life situations.
d) Incremental separation tactics: Begin with brief intervals of time apart and progressively extend them.
g) Make use of a visual calendar: Uncertainty exacerbates anxiety related to separation. Therefore, make a pictorial schedule or visual calendar to assist them in understanding how their day will go.
f) Build a comfort zone: A youngster may find solace in a cherished toy or blanket that acts as a comforting memory of their caregiver while they are apart from them.
g) Remain soothing and poised: When bidding your youngster farewell, maintain your composure and composure. Assure them that you will honor your commitments and return.
h) Promote independence: By letting kids practice developmentally appropriate life skills, such putting on shoes and eating by themselves, so they can become more self-assured in handling independent tasks.
