5 tips to support kids with separation anxiety when starting school

There are three common (but developmentally appropriate) behaviors that can be quite confusing and frustrating for parents: blatant defiance of directions, picky eating, and potty training regressions. Let’s talk about WHY these are typical parts of child development and what we, as parents, can do about it.

In talking with friends — and in my work as a child psychologist — parents often say that what they want most is for their child to be kind. Many parents have told me that for their child to be racist or bigoted would (understandably) be a tragedy to them. I also know that many parents, particularly white parents, have not given much thought about how to raise a racially conscious child or are overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.

With preschools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, many children will start kindergarten this fall without fully reaping the benefit of that early school experience. Parents who are concerned that children will be “behind” can take comfort in the fact that it is well within their power to provide them age-appropriate support in a few areas.