How to Make Drop-off Easier for You and Your Child
Whether you are starting a new school or transitioning your child to a new classroom, every parent wants drop-off time to be a positive experience. After welcoming thousands of young children here at Tobin, we’d like to share our top five suggestions for a happy drop off:
- Be outwardly confident and happy about your child’s school day: Greet the teacher with a smile, and make sure your child sees that you think you are both ready – try not to let your child read any nervousness or discomfort from you.
- Talk about what to expect in a way your child can understand – and feel free to enlist your child’s teacher: If nerves start at home or on the way to school, talk about some fun things that your child will do that day (outside time, music time, seeing class animals, playing with their friends, blocks/cars/dress-up, etc.). Your child’s teacher will be happy to help come up with suggestions.
- Pull the band-aid off quickly: Short and sweet drop-offs really work the best. Be matter of fact about saying goodbye, and remind your child who is picking them up and when, i.e. “Grandma will be here after lunch to get you!”. This often helps ease anxiety about the unknown.
- Plan a goodbye ritual for you and your child: It can be whatever you want it to be (for example: come to the door, give two kisses and a hug, and wave through the classroom window, before you drive away) – and then stick to it. Your child will quickly learn the routine, along with what they can and can’t expect at the next drop-off.
- Always say goodbye! You might think it would be easier to ‘sneak out’ when your child is not looking, but this can make them more nervous and anxious, and can even make them feel unsure about when you might disappear again.
Rest assured that many children shed a few tears at first, but they do settle in – and following these suggestions can help make the transition a bit easier for both you and your child.While it may be a tearful departure, we often see your child quickly join in an activity or start to play after you leave. And we’re happy to check in with you later by phone or through our Tobin App to let you know that your child has settled in and is happily playing with friends.
The Tobin Children’s School (offering care for infants up to PreK) and The Tobin School (offering preschool through Jr Kindergarten) have helped thousands of children transition to school over the years. Want to learn more about our programs and how Tobin can be a great place for your child by contacting us today!
Here’s to a great start to your school year!