And here we go!!!
How exciting it is to be launching our 2025-26 school year! Many preparations were completed over the summer and we are ready for kids in the classrooms!! Yippee! We look forward to getting to know the almost 225 students that will be learning and growing with us. Each one is special, created by God with unique personalities and gifts. What a privilege it is to journey this year together!
New experiences can often stir up some anxiety for the children as well as for the adults. Please know that your child will be loved and cared for by some of the most compassionate and nurturing ladies around. (I’m only slightly biased!) Included below are some strategies for helping with the transition to school that may be useful when dealing with separation anxiety.
Please reach out with any questions you may have as we kick off our 44th year growing in our knowledge of God’s great love for us as well as how much fun it is to learn!
To God be the glory!
Kristin Coco
Helpful Hints to Overcoming Separation Anxiety
- Be encouraging and upbeat that school is a wonderful place to be - because it is!! In all of your interactions, whether at drop off or the night before, be sure you are conveying the message that your child can do it. Be careful what you are sharing with others while your child may overhear - they often pick up on things while we aren’t even aware.
- Keep in mind the saying, “Quick Goodbyes = Dry Eyes”. Send your child off with a hug, kiss, a “I’ll see you after you have some fun!” and let them go… lingering or prolonging a goodbye often makes it more difficult. (Just like removing a Band-aid!)
- When you get your child out of the car, let them stand on their own feet and walk up to the porch. This is a tangible way of showing them that you believe they are capable and makes the “goodbye” easier.
- Your child can carry a little “piece of home” with them if needed… a photo of your family or a small piece of fabric (cut a square from a t-shirt) that is freshly laundered to smell like home… carried in their pocket can ease some anxiety.
- Tell them what you will be doing while they are having fun at school - just be sure it is something they don’t like to do! “I’m going to go home and get all of the laundry folded, so that when I pick you up, it will be all done and we can go to the park…spend the afternoon playing…visit grandma…” The idea is that you are doing something boring that has to be done so that after school there is time to do fun stuff together.
- Give your child a job to do while at school - ask them to draw a picture for you because you need a new one for your fridge or desk; or give them a “very important” note to deliver to their teacher.
- Please understand that we want this to be a positive experience for each child. We will work through any tears and do what we need to to help your child adjust, smile and thrive. We will have extra staff in, until the kids settle in, to provide extra TLC. Usually after a child is in the classroom, the tears do not last long - they get interested in what is going on around them - the other children, the toys and activities - and forget about being upset. If your child would continue to feel stressed beyond this, we will create a plan with you to help ease the anxiety. It is a process that we can work through together.
- Often times, it not just the kids who are feeling anxious, and we as parents have a hard time with the good-bye, too. First, know that your child will be loved while they are here! And you are allowed to shed a few tears - but not until after you are back in your car! Try to keep your emotions in check while around your child. Even if we don’t communicate it verbally, the children can pick up on our body language and feelings. If they think you are anxious or worried, they will be, too!
Letting go is not easy and it seems that as a parent we have to do it over and over again - know we understand! We are all moms, have felt the heartache, and are learning to do it with our own kiddos. Some of our children have bounced into that new experience without turning back, while others have gone in kicking and screaming - You are not alone! Remember to be kind to yourself - after drop off, plan on catching that cup of coffee with a friend you’ve been putting off, or a trip to the grocery store all by yourself- - do something that will bring some joy!
