disappearing and then experience relief when they reappear. The attachment children have with loved ones is an important achievement. As children develop, this attachment can be transferred to a “blankie” or other transitional object. This transitional object helps to bring the familiar to an unfamiliar environment thereby paving the way for an eventual successful separation.
While as parents we may know that we’re sending children to a wonderful program with loving teachers, a child’s perspective may be something else entirely. As adults, we all react to new situations differently, depending on our own temperaments. Our children react in parallel ways. They may worry if someone will take care of them, or if their parents will know how to find them. Sometimes children may feel upset and aren’t able to express their feelings. Still others may walk in, happily wave goodbye to their parent and then later dissolve in tears when their parent leaves. Of course, some easygoing children might be carried along with the excitement of their first day,and they have an easier transition.
Investing the energy to help your child with a positive separation can pave the way for easing future separations.
Judy Tabak, M.S., is principal at Variety Child Learning Center in Syosset. Joan Weinstein, L.C.S.W., is director of Family Services in Syosset.
