my kindergarten child has separation anxiety?

Question

My 5 year old daughter cries almost every day when I leave her at school. She says she misses me. It's very hard for me to leave her knowing that she is so upset. I recently learned that on occassion she cries during her day at school. She is doing very well in class but I wish she was happier. Should I worry or is this common amoung young children? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes she will get over it don't worry it is normal

Answer 2

My daughter is almost three and started daycare (preschool) a few months ago. She cried like this everyday when I dropped her off, and I was told by her teacher that she would keep to herself most of the day and was very quiet. It was hard for her, and it was hard for me.
The only way to pry her from the van into the building was to bring her favorite stuffed lamb. I don't know if your child has a favorite doll or stuffed toy but maybe in kindergarden, in a situation like this, it would be allowed at her school. I believe it would help her cope with your absence during the day. It sure helped with my daughter. Before long, we left lamb at home and now she can't wait to go see her friends.
Its hard and it takes time, but don't stress. It will get better. Maybe you can even surprise her by hiding a note each day in her lunch box or backpack that says something different, like "I love you" or U R my sunshine (and color the sunshine).
I hope this helps!
God bless!

Answer 3

My daughter developed this at the age of 6. She also does great in school (2nd grade) and does not seem to miss me there. But she won't go to the bathroom in a restaurant or bank without me being there. I think it is pretty normal unless she stops wanting to do things or go places. We even had a little time where she missed some birthday parties because she was "afraid" we would not come get here. Just keep reassuring her and be consistent. It will get better.

Answer 4

I believe this is common amoung young children. She has been with you mostly through-out her 5 years, and she is in a new environment now. I would try talking to her about it with your mommy ways :), I know when I was little I was the same way. I was worried about being away from everyone. I soon broke of it. I would just try consoling her, and making her feel more comfortable.

Answer 5

Ohhhh.......do I remember those days!!! ONLY...I think mine lasted into first grade. I was an only child so that may have been part of the issue, but I don't think it is uncommon at all!

Because of some of those issues, they placed me in a smaller first grade class where I was able to get more one-on-one attention and it helped TREMENDOUSLY.

How does her teacher deal with this? I don't remember all the specifics with me, but if the teacher isn't aware to the full extent of what is going on, I would let him/her in on it and maybe the teacher can help her come out of her shell a little more.


Hang in there! Really, she is going to be fine and this is one of the best things for her:)

Answer 6

It is common. Many child development experts have suggested that five is too young for a child to go to school and be expected to leave his/her mom. It is suggested that 7-8 is a better age for this. Of course that is what our school system expects, but you can always home school. :) That's what I'd like to do. My daughter, who is only 2 1/2, says "Mama, when I get bigger I don't want to go to school. I want to stay with you."

Basically if you force her to go to school anyway she will stop crying about it but it might damage your relationship with her and make her a more withdrawn, unhappy person. Or you can keep her at home. Or you can volunteer full-time in her classroom.

Answer 7

im not a mother but i am a big sister and the youngest is 5 yes this is very common do not worry the teachers calm them down they cry for at less then ten minutes after you leave when they cry during the day its usually when they are tired and used to "mummy" bieng with them when they sleep. Like i said its completly normal and very common.

Answer 8

I believe it can be hit or miss. I'm told that as a child I was perfectly fine with my mom taking me to school. Contrast this to my brother who clung to her leg.

How long has she been in clases? 2 months or so? Have you met with her teacher/teacher's helper? Has this started recently or has this been occuring from the beginning?

Are you at all nervous or scared when taking her to school? Children can sense your anxiety and she may be picking up on your feelings.

It's good she's doing well. Maybe she has separation anxiety when you leave her, but when she sees her friends she forgets.

I'd suggest you speak with her teacher. He or she may have more insight as to her crying.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 10

This is quite common in kids as they are more attached to moms.Even this kind of behaviour is found if the teacher is changed as kids are "emotionally attached " to teachers as well.It takes time for them to adapt to the new environment and new people

Answer 11

Welcome to 5 mommy! They get over it eventually as long as everything is okay.

Just make sure nothing is going on! Better to be safe than sorry. Someone could be acting mean toward her like a staff member or teacher?