Struggling with tantrums, bedtime boundaries, or simply wondering how to raise happy, confident kids? Sarah Rosensweet offersHave a question for Sarah? Send us an email at editors@todaysparent.com.
Q. My 4-year-old daughter has reoccurring separation anxiety episodes at her school during drop-off. One week she will go in willingly and with a smile, and the next, I have to peel her out of the car seat and carry her in. It doesn’t seem like anything is triggering the anxiety, and eventually, it goes away, but I don’t know how to help her.A: This is normal behaviour for a 4-year-old. I’d start by keeping a log and seeing if you can detect any pattern in her mood shifts.
Finally, make sure there is someone at school she likes and trusts who can support her if she’s sad when you leave. It’s okay for kids to be sad. It’s not ideal for them to feel alone in their sadness.