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Expert Q&A
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| By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool | ||
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My daughter is one of the last to be picked up at her preschool, and she is always crying when I get there. What can I do?
I'm afraid that there is no easy solution to the problem. It is alarming to young children to be left with the teachers when other children are being picked up by their parents. I assume that you've thought about having the grandparents pick her up earlier, so she won't be one of the last ones left, and that this won't work.
The teachers should be reminded to assure your child that you always pick her up, that you will be coming. There could be a special story that you leave that one of the teachers could read to her shortly before you are expected. If your schedule is regular (i.e. if you always pick up at 5:30), you could leave a special clock that has an alarm set for 5:30, so she could check the clock when she is anxious and be rewarded with the alarm going off, followed by your return. Any kind of ritual or routine that will help her know that X, Y, or Z will happen, and then you will come to pick her up. Calling her from work just as you are leaving might be another way to reassure her. I hope some of these suggestions are helpful and help alleviate her anxieties.
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