West Newsmagazine 4-19-17

24 I PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE CHOICES I
Saul Spielberg
Early Childhood Center
A Preschool with Combination Schedules
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6 years
(314) 434-3404
unitedhebrew.org
13788 Conway Rd.
St. Louis MO 63141
SUMMER CAMPS
& OPPORTUNITIES
COMING AGAIN 5.3.17
TO ADVERTISE: 636 591.0010
April 19, 2017
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
BY BONNIE KRUEGER
It’s the first day of preschool and
you’ve anticipated your child’s
every need, especially proactively
minimizing the separation anxiety
your child might experience. But
what about your own?
It’s not uncommon for parents
to feel similar anxiety in this milestone
moment, especially if this is
the first time the parent and child
have been separated routinely for
several hours each day. But even
parents with jobs outside the
home may not be spared from first
day jitters, especially if a child is
changing from a day care to a preschool
environment.
So what’s a parent to do? Here
are some practical suggestions to
help combat parental anxiety.
Own it! It might be an unfamiliar emotion,
but when it’s there, there’s no denying
it. So recognize it – that’s the first step
to managing it. Identify the underlying
issue: fear, sadness, guilt, regret, loneliness
or a combination of feelings. Then, think
through that emotion and look at its flip
side. “I’m sad that my baby is growing up
so fast. But I’m happy about all the new
things we’ll get to experience together.”
Find support from other parents. Talk
to parents who have already gone through
similar experiences and who can walk you
through the emotions you are feeling. Lean
on those who can offer understanding and
empathy.
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Tips for dealing with separation
anxiety as a preschool parent
be neglected while the kids are underfoot.
Plan fun outings with friends or other
family members during your brief hiatus or
simply engage in some quality “me time.”
If you work outside the home, dive into
a project that requires your full attention
knowing that your child is being cared for
in a safe environment.
Network. Still feeling anxious? Get
to know the other parents in your child’s
preschool class. Find out if the school
has any social activities for parents to get
to know one another. Begin a support or
social group that meets regularly, so that
when your child talks about their friends in
school, you can too!
Stay busy. With your child in school,
even for just a few hours a couple of days
a week, plan the time to run errands or take
care of household responsibilities that may
Gain perspective. Anything new can
be scary, but it doesn’t stay new forever.
Before you know it, your child will find
their new school groove and you will, too.
NOW
ENROLLING
STUDENTS
Ages 3 - Grade 6
www.kirkdayschool.org
12928 Ladue Road www.kirkdayschool.org
- Town & Country - 314-434-4349
12928 Ladue Road - Town & Country - 314-434-4349