5 Tips for School Drop Off

If you and your child are having some difficulties with morning drop-offs at school, here are a few quick tips to help make things a little easier. 

1. Create a goodbye ritual. Having a goodbye routine provides comfort and familiarity so your child knows what is to come. This can be as easy as a special goodbye handshake or hug or a goodbye saying such as, “See you later alligator” 
2. Never make comparisons. Don’t chastise your child and say, “Tommy doesn’t cry when he gets dropped off”. 
3. Don’t sneak away. It may be very tempting to quietly sneak away but your child can become more distressed if you suddenly disappear.  
4. Reassure your child you will be coming back. When you pick your child up at the end of the day, reinforce the idea that you came back just like you said you would.  
5. Don’t prolong and drag out goodbyes and hang around the school. As hard as it can be at times, do your best to appear calm and in control of your emotions. Model this behaviour for your child. 

If you want to know more, here is a link to some more information. 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/behaviour/common-concerns/separation-anxiety

Below is the school counselling referral link:

https://mccg.my.site.com/housing/s/school-referral-form

Rebecca McCarthy

Student and Family Counsellor

St Anne's Central School Temora - Monday, Tuesday

McAuley Catholic College Tumut - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

rebecca.mccarthy@mccg.org.au

Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn
P. 02 6162 6106
PO BOX 3167 Manuka ACT 2603  |  mccg.org.au