Crying at Drop-Off: Tips and Strategies for Teachers

Crying at drop-off can be a real issue on the first day of school, the first few weeks of school, and at random times during the year.
In this video, I share with you some tips you can use and put in place BEFORE the first day of school, and strategies to use when you are in the moment and beyond. And I will share my tried and true strategies and methods for calming the fears of both kids and parents.
Preschoolers cry for a variety of reasons, the number one being anxiety. Being in a strange place with lots of strange faces and away from mom, dad, and familiar caregivers can be very scary for 3-5-year-olds. Couple the normal anxiety a new situation brings with a developmental heightened awareness of the world...and you've got a recipe for crying kids!
When you are armed with some great strategies and tools, even the toughest situations can become manageable!
Have a great first day...but for now...enjoy the end of Summer!

[@davecia]

I'm a parent, and listening to your strategies helped me calm my anxieties. Thanks

[@teachpre-k101]

I'm so glad! It is completely normal. If you are at a good preschool, chances are that your child is fine after you are out of sight.

[@Luda.USA.NewYork]

I wish all teachers would be like you!!!

[@teachpre-k101]

Thank you...that is about the nicest compliment I have ever received!

[@crystaldavila9529]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@aishazafar2223]

You seem to be a kind and compassionate teacher.

[@teachpre-k101]

Thank you...I do my best! I really do love teaching and I love the kids so much too. I feel very fortunateto get to do my job each day. Thanks for the nice comment.

[@marci1507]

What do you suggest for center time if you are a full day PreK program? Would you have free choice centers 2x per day? For both literacy and math time.

[@teachpre-k101]

I have thought about this a lot actually. I think I would add some science-based centers. Kind of a discovery area or table that would be open only during the second half of the day. And I would probably offer more independent quiet activities for after lunch when kids are naturally just more tired and their capacity for focus is a bit diminished. I think I would do both math and literacy activities in the morning. Science, crafts, gross and fine motor in the afternoon if I had an aide all day. It is difficult. I don't know that kids that age can handle a super-structured all day program. some can...but some will really struggle.

[@OfficialEDirty]

All these videos are for the child. I need one for me the parent. Lol

[@teachpre-k101]

Hahahahaha! I've been there! My oldest cried EVERY day for a whole year! I hated it! She did it for me though...loved me so much and needed to punish me for leaving her...LOL! It's the worst!