Newsletter - Cooloola Christian College ELC

It’s tough when your child wakes up upset or anxious about going to preschool. Many children go through this stage, and while it’s challenging in the moment, it’s also very normal. With patience, consistency, and a few simple strategies, mornings can become calmer and more positive.

Why Children Worry
Young children thrive on predictability. Changes to routine, tiredness, or feelings of separation can make preschool mornings harder. Sometimes children worry about missing you, or they may feel nervous about friends, teachers, or new activities.

Practical Ways to Help at Home:

1. Prepare the Night Before
Lay out clothes and pack bags together so mornings feel less rushed. Talk about something to look forward to at preschool (“Tomorrow you’ll get to water the plants” or “You can show your drawing to your teacher”).

2. Build a Calm Morning Routine
Wake up with extra time so your child doesn’t feel hurried. Use a simple visual checklist (get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack bag) so your child knows what comes next.

3. Use Predictable Goodbyes
Create a short goodbye ritual—a hug, a kiss on the hand,
or a special wave. Keep goodbyes positive and brief. Long, emotional farewells make it harder for children to settle.

4. Offer Comfort and Connection
Pack a small “comfort item” such as a family photo, a little toy, or a note in their bag. Remind them when you’ll return in terms they understand (“I’ll be back after story time” rather than “later”).

5. Encourage Confidence
Praise small steps: “You were so brave walking to the classroom today.” Focus on what your child can do (“You can show your teacher how you count beads” instead of “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine”).

Partnering With Educators

Talk to your child’s teacher about how mornings are going. Educators can greet your child at the door, hold their hand, or guide them quickly into a favourite activity. Often, children settle within minutes once they’re engaged in play.

When to Seek Help

Separation anxiety is a normal stage for many preschoolers, but there are times when extra support may be needed. Consider reaching out to your child’s teacher, a GP, or child health professional if:

Your child’s distress is very intense and doesn’t ease after drop-off.
Anxiety continues for several weeks without improvement.
Your child shows physical symptoms (stomach aches, headaches, nausea) regularly before preschool.
Worries about separation start affecting sleep, eating,
or play at home.
Your child avoids or refuses activities they normally enjoy.

Getting help early can make a big difference. Support from educators, health professionals, and family can ease your child’s anxiety and build their confidence in gentle, positive ways.

Sourced from: Triple P Articles (2025). No more tears: Parenting tips for easier drop-offs. Retrieved from triplep-parenting.net.au

Term 3 Week 6

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Pre-school-itis, easing morning worries for a happier start

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