Are you or your toddler more anxious for this huge milestone?

Are you terrified that your baby will be left out – or (possibly worse) leave another child out?

Will she be the class-biter – What if a kid BITES HER?

What if she doesn’t get a smiley face sticker for the day?

This is the point that you realize you’ll sit outside of the classroom door ‘just in case,’ but then people will see that you are crazy… Instead, you can sit in your car outside of the school entrance. 

Oh Mama -sweet, sweet Mama. You are not alone. Your baby is starting her educational journey, and you have been counting the days (months, years) for this moment. This is the sign that you will have a break in your day; perhaps for exercising, showering, and applying actual makeup. But the moment is now here, and your toddler looks like your baby, and your heart may just explode.

My fellow mama – welcome to separation anxiety. Just about every parent and child will be going through some form of it throughout this life transition. So what can you do to help your toddler transition well – and help yourself from needing to spy on your child at the school playground from across the street?

5 Ways To Handle Separation Anxiety While Transitioning to Preschool

Visit the Preschool and Explore a Few Times

Make the school a familiar place and your child’s teacher a familiar face. Bake cookies together or make a present to bring the teacher; it will help your child feel connected.

Ask for a Playdate

During open house, be forward and ask a few other parents for their email addresses. Send out an invite for a family playdate or two so the kids can get to know one another – and so you can feel out which parents you like. This will help everyone breathe easier during the transition.

Listen and Watch Body Language

Talk to your toddler about preschool and listen to what she has to say. There are more than words that she is telling you though; watch her body language. She may be trying to be brave for you, but in reality she may be quite terrified. Spend more time snuggling and holding hands during this time.

No False Promises or Sneaking Out

The absolute worst thing you can do right now is break a promise. You risk her not believing that you’ll come back to get her. Follow through with all of your deals (always – but especially right now). When the days of preschool arrive, do not sneak out of the room. A three year old should not look around and realize you are gone without a good-bye. Talk about heartbreaking. Plan to stay about 10 minutes and help her find a friend. Wait until she is playing, give a small kiss and whisper “I love you! Have fun. I’ll be back in just a bit and we’ll get something special for lunch.”

Pack a Transitional Object (for you too)

Work on this little project together. Each of you can carry a painted pebble, a photograph, a drawing, a bracelet, etc with you as a reminder that you are nearby and will be back soon.

What helped your anxiety during the preschool transition?