How To Help A Child With Separation Anxiety At School

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 22nd of August 2023

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety refers to a common childhood condition characterised by intense distress or fear experienced when a child is separated from their primary caregiver or a familiar environment.

It typically occurs when children start attending school, daycare, or are separated from their parents for other reasons. Symptoms may include excessive crying, clinginess, tantrums, physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches, and a strong desire to be reunited with their parents.

Separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase, but in some cases, it can become more severe and interfere with a child’s daily life. With understanding and appropriate support, children can learn to manage and overcome separation anxiety over time.

We have put together some tips to help relieve symptoms of separation anxiety for your child and help students with the transition into the classroom.

1. Communicate and Empathise

By openly discussing their fears and concerns, children feel heard and understood, which helps them develop a sense of trust and security. Validating their emotions and letting them know that their feelings are normal and common reassures them that they are not alone in their experience.

Through empathetic listening, caregivers can gain insights into the specific triggers and anxieties the child may have, allowing them to tailor support strategies accordingly.

Effective communication also provides an opportunity to address any misconceptions or fears the child may have about the separation process. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, carers can help children build resilience and gradually alleviate their separation anxiety.

2. Create a Routine

Creating a routine is a valuable strategy for helping children with separation anxiety manage their fears and anxieties. A consistent daily schedule provides a sense of predictability and stability, which can help reduce anxiety.

Knowing what to expect and when can offer reassurance and a sense of control, easing their worries about separation. A structured routine also establishes a familiar pattern, making transitions smoother and more manageable for the child.

By incorporating comforting activities or rituals into the routine, such as a special goodbye ritual or a regular check-in time, children can feel more secure and connected to their caregivers.

3. Stay Positive and Calm

When parents project confidence and reassurance, it helps children feel safe and secure. Children are highly perceptive and can pick up on their parents’ emotions, so remaining composed and optimistic can help alleviate their own anxiety.

By demonstrating a positive attitude, parents send the message that separation is a normal and manageable experience. This reassurance helps children develop a sense of trust in their ability to cope with separation and adapt to new environments.

When parents exhibit calmness, it creates a soothing environment and helps children regulate their own emotions, promoting a smoother transition and easing separation anxiety.

4. Involve Staff at School

When school staff are informed about a child’s separation anxiety, they can provide a supportive and understanding environment. Teachers and counsellors can develop strategies to help the child feel more comfortable and secure at school, such as offering extra attention, assigning a buddy, or providing a safe space to retreat to if needed.

Involving school staff also allows for effective communication and collaboration between parents, carers, and educators. This teamwork ensures that everyone is working together to address the child’s specific needs and implement consistent strategies at home and school.

The involvement of school staff not only provides practical support but also sends a message to the child that they have a network of caring adults who are there to help them navigate their separation anxiety.