Starting nursery school is a big step for both children and their parents. For many it will be the first time they have regular and substantial separation from each other and in addition it marks the beginning of the child’s path towards increasing independence.
This often gives rise to mixed feelings in both: children have the task of learning to cope without their primary carer, albeit for a short time, but also get to experience new triumphs in new surroundings. Parents on the other hand have to manage both feelings of loss (of the baby stages left behind) but also often great pride and anticipation for the future. To manage this big transition smoothly therefore requires a bit of thinking, planning and preparing.
Many if not most young children find separating from their parent at nursery or school difficult in the beginning at least some of the time. This is completely normal, especially when you consider the following:
Even children who have been well settled at nursery for some time can suddenly become unsettled and require extra support to get back on track. Many of the following can cause temporary set-backs and require revisiting the strategies above:
Finally, good nursery staff are very experienced in helping children (and parents) with the settling process. Do let them guide you, whilst also sharing with them your child’s specific preferences. If, despite this and the strategies above, you still find it difficult to confidently leave your child, double check that you are truly happy with the nursery setting you have chosen.
Thank you to Dr Natalie Cheatle and Dr Annika Clark at http://www.theparentspace.co.uk for this article.
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