My daughter has just started kindergarten. Although she cried a little for the first couple of days she seemed generally fine. But the second week has been much worse. She clings to me and cries when I drop her off. Is there anything I can do to make the 'goodbye' less painful for both of us?
Teacher Julie McGuire replies:
Starting kindergarten is a big step for young children, especially if it is the first real separation from their parents. If a child becomes very upset as the parents are leaving, it can be also be very distressing for them, often making them question whether they have done the right thing in sending their child there.
It is not uncommon for a child to appear to have settled into kindergarten then take a backwards step in the second week. This can stem from the realisation that kindergarten is for real, not just a temporary arrangement or bit of fun.
Even if parents choose somewhere that strongly stresses play activities, the child still has to adapt to a classroom situation. There is a lot to get used to: new routines, a more structured environment, developing necessary social skills and the challenge of sharing both materials and the attention of adults with other children.
How quickly the child settles depends on factors including their personality and confidence level, previous experiences of organised classes and the level of independence they are used to.
Some children may struggle for weeks to settle while others confidently stride into a new classroom without even looking over their shoulders - parents of the latter may feel a little sidelined!
