9 Easy Ways To Overcome School Fear In Toddlers

Children are the most important treasures in parents’ life. They watch over them constantly and note every inch of their growth and progress. You may feel that they are growing pretty fast! Before you know, the gurgling baby will already have started tottering on his feet and soon he will be old enough to attend preschool. But the fear of school in toddlers can be a huge challenge to handle.

As the schooling age of the kid approaches, parents are known to suffer anxiety attacks wondering how their little one will cope with a new school. Once they realise they are going to a school, children will also feel worried. It is simply a matter of experiencing something profoundly new in life. If your toddler has older siblings, the problem is much simplified since they can assuage many fears.

TIPS TO HANDLE FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL

In the absence of older siblings, it is the parents’ duty to try and ease the fears of their little toddler going off to school. Fear of school in toddlers is often a result of separation anxiety and here we may discuss a few ways by which you can overcome this.

Keep goodbyes short

When you are leaving your child at school, keep the goodbyes to a minimum and without fanfare to reduce separation anxiety. Shed a few tears afterwards yourself, but never let your child see this.

For shy toddlers

Fear of school in toddlers may be a result of their shyness when it comes to sitting in a new room surrounded by strangers. To help them cope with separation anxiety, play ‘being at school' in the home.

Get him to talk

The best way to ease your child's separation anxiety is to get him to talk about it. Engage him in plays and other activities that will help him calm down and confide in you.

Understand and comfort

What your child requires from you is understanding and comfort. Avoid fear of school in toddlers by telling them about your own experiences about joining new school.

Familiarise his surroundings

Fear of school in toddlers can also be caused by a fear of the unknown. Try to take a school tour with your child before school begins and help him familiarise with the classroom and playground.

Friends before school time

If possible try to find other children in your neighbourhood who are going to the same school. A friend in the school he is about to join will allay fear of school in toddlers.

Do not show your fears

It is a fact that fear of school in toddlers also affects their parents. Often, the adults are more anxious than the kids. But, never let them see this as you should be the rock to which they can turn in their distress.

Try not to give in

Fear of school in toddlers might lead them to pretend to be sick every morning before school. But, you should not give in to their tantrums as these are just tricks to stay away from school.

Practise independence at home

Let your child practise doing things himself at home. This way, it will not be difficult when he is expected to do this at school and will greatly reduce fear of school in toddlers.